Cincinnati Bengals Suffer Blow as Charlie Jones Out with Ankle Injury
CINCINNATI — The Bengals’ playoff aspirations took a significant hit during Sunday’s contest against the Ravens as wide receiver Charlie Jones sustained a right ankle injury. Initially deemed questionable for a return, Jones has since been ruled out of the game, further complicating Cincinnati’s offensive strategy.
Limited Receiving Options
With Jones sidelined, the Bengals are down to three active wide receivers: Ja’Marr Chase, Mitch Tinsley, and Andrei Iosivas. This shift in personnel could lead to increased targets for tight end Mike Gesicki, who may play a crucial role in the passing game moving forward. Additionally, tight end Noah Fant also faced injury woes, suffering an ankle injury in the first half but managed to return to the field in the third quarter.
In light of Jones’s absence, the Bengals will rely on Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks to handle kickoff returns, while Tinsley takes on the responsibilities of backup punt returner.
Playoff Hopes on the Line
As the Bengals trail the Ravens 17-0 midway through the third quarter, their playoff hopes hang by a thread. Currently sitting at 4-9, Cincinnati has already secured its first losing season since 2020. For the Bengals to keep their slim playoff chances alive, they must win their final four games, alongside a series of favorable outcomes: the Steelers would need to lose three of their last four matchups, and the Ravens must drop one more game this season. If all of these conditions are met, the Bengals could potentially capture the AFC North title with an 8-9 record—a scenario that appears increasingly unlikely.
Struggles on Offense
The Bengals’ struggles were palpable in the first half, where their offense faltered significantly. Quarterback Joe Burrow completed just 8 of 16 passes for a mere 71 yards, accompanied by one interception and two sacks, resulting in a dismal quarterback rating of 36.2. Cincinnati’s ground game managed only 63 yards, with Chase Brown and Perine contributing 32 and 28 yards, respectively.
Ja’Marr Chase was the standout receiver, logging four catches for 40 yards, but his performance was marred by multiple drops—two, possibly three, that hindered crucial drives. Burrow suffered a costly sack that pushed the Bengals out of field goal range, while another drop by Chase before halftime prevented an attempt at points. Iosivas also had a drop, leaving Cincinnati trailing 14-0 at halftime.
In the wake of these injuries and offensive struggles, the Bengals face an uphill battle to salvage their season.
