The Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line took a major hit on Sunday as star left tackle Orlando “Zeus” Brown Jr. suffered a knee injury in the team’s 24-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Signed in the offseason to solidify the Bengals’ offensive front, Brown aggravated a right knee issue that had been bothering him in recent weeks. The team’s training staff evaluated the four-time Pro Bowler on the sidelines after he left the game during the second quarter.
“The Bengals announced that Brown has a right knee injury, and his return was questionable,” the report stated. Due to a knee injury, Brown had limited practice earlier in the week, but he was able to participate fully on Friday, giving the team hope that he would be ready for the Eagles game.
However, the injury flared up again during the game, forcing Brown to exit the contest. Cody Ford replaced him at right tackle, further depleting the Bengals’ already shaky offensive line.
Losing Brown, who hasn’t missed a game in his two seasons with Cincinnati, is a devastating blow for a Bengals team that is already struggling to find its footing. The team fell to 3-5 on the season with the loss to the Eagles, putting their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy.
“Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Orlando ‘Zeus’ Brown Jr. aggravated his right knee injury during the second quarter of the NFL Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Paycor Stadium,” the report noted.
The Bengals’ offensive struggles were on full display against the stout Eagles defense, as the team averaged just 2.9 yards per rush and failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. Quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged the team’s issues in short-yardage situations and the absence of key weapons like receiver Tee Higgins.
“Burrow acknowledged struggles with short-yardage situations and the absence of key players like Tee Higgins,” the report stated.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed frustration with the missed opportunities, particularly a failed fourth-down attempt that shifted the momentum in Philadelphia’s favor.
“Coach Zac Taylor expressed frustration with missed opportunities, particularly a failed fourth-down attempt that shifted momentum to Philadelphia,” the report noted.
Despite the team’s disappointing 0-4 record at home this season, Taylor believes the Bengals still have the talent to turn things around. However, the loss of Brown is a significant setback, as the offensive line has been a major focus of the team’s offseason efforts.
“The Bengals’ leadership highlighted the team’s overall talent and their ability to bounce back, despite current struggles,” the report stated. “Missing key players like Tee Higgins undoubtedly affected game dynamics, but both Taylor and Burrow emphasized accountability across the roster.”
As the Bengals look to regroup and adapt their game plan for their next matchup, the status of Brown’s injury will be a key storyline to monitor. The team needs to find a way to stabilize the offensive line and get the running game going if they hope to climb back into the playoff race.
“Cincinnati is 3-5 for the season, needing to win 7 of the last 9 games to stay in playoff contention,” the report noted. “The Bengals aim to regroup and adapt their game plan ahead of their next matchup, focusing on improving the run game and capitalizing on offensive opportunities.”
With a crucial stretch of the season looming, the Bengals will be hoping for favorable news on Brown’s injury. But for now, the team must find a way to overcome this latest setback and get their season back on track.