DJ Turner II illness creates uncertainty for Bengals ahead of Dolphins matchup
CINCINNATI — The Bengals are facing a significant challenge as star cornerback DJ Turner II has been deemed questionable for Sunday’s pivotal clash against the Miami Dolphins due to an illness. The team updated his status on the injury report Saturday afternoon, leaving fans and coaches alike anxious about his availability.
This season, Turner has emerged as a standout player for Cincinnati, accumulating 25 tackles and two interceptions. His performance has been bolstered by a solid 76.3 coverage grade, as noted by Pro Football Focus, showcasing his ability to effectively match up against the opposing team’s top wide receivers.
Praise from the Coaching Staff
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed admiration for Turner’s development this season. In his third year in the league, Turner has drawn from his previous experiences, navigating the ups and downs that come with playing cornerback.
“There’s just this extreme consistency there,” Taylor remarked. “He’s got a confidence that comes with that. You can see when a guy has earned the confidence. There’s a lot of guys that can walk around with arrogance or brashness because they are talented, but the work ethic doesn’t necessarily match the talent they have. DJ is a guy whose confidence stems from the work he’s put in.”
Taylor emphasized that true leadership isn’t always about being vocal; rather, it can manifest as reliability and dependability. “Sometimes you can go out there and I’m just going to do my job and make sure everyone knows I am dependable and they can count on me, and that is exactly who DJ Turner has been this year.”
Roster Adjustments
In response to Turner’s uncertain status, the Bengals have taken proactive measures by elevating cornerback Bralyn Lux from the practice squad. This move provides added depth at the position should Turner be unable to play. Additionally, DJ Ivey is expected to see increased snaps at cornerback, further underscoring the team’s need to adapt to the situation.
The Bengals also elevated Howard Cross III from the practice squad. Cross, an undrafted free agent rookie, may be called upon to help fill the void at defensive tackle following the season-ending injury to Kris Jenkins Jr. Jenkins suffered an ankle injury during the team’s 24-0 defeat against the Ravens in Week 15.
Impact on the Bengals Defense
Losing Turner would be a substantial blow to a Bengals defense eager to finish the season on a strong note. With the Dolphins on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the team’s ability to adapt to these unexpected circumstances will be critical as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the playoff race.
As the Bengals prepare for Sunday’s game, all eyes will be on Turner’s recovery and the adjustments that will need to be made should he be unable to take the field.
