The Bengals’ secondary was already shorthanded heading into Week 11, and the unit was dealt one other blow Sunday. Cornerback DJ Turner exited the sport after a cross breakup, and he could not return in 2024.
The staff fears Turner suffered a fractured clavicle, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A second opinion is being sought out, however a affirmation of that damage would require season-ending surgical procedure. In any occasion, a prolonged absence needs to be anticipated for considered one of Cincinnati’s beginning cowl males.
The Bengals misplaced Dax Hill to an ACL tear final month, ending his first marketing campaign as a fringe nook. That damage left the staff’s secondary more and more reliant on different choices, together with Turner. The 2023 second-rounder made 12 begins as a rookie, posting eight cross deflections and 50 tackles. Turner surrendered 4 touchdowns as the closest defender and allowed an opposing passer ranking of 111.6, nevertheless, leaving loads of room for enchancment in protection.
2024 did see a step ahead in each areas, an encouraging signal for Turner’s long-term outlook in Cincinnati. In the meanwhile, nevertheless, the 24-year-old might want to flip his consideration to restoration in anticipation of a return to the lineup no sooner than Week 1 of the 2025 marketing campaign. Cincinnati has Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton set to deal with beginning duties on the skin at nook shifting ahead with veteran Mike Hilton in place as the highest slot choice.
Protection has been a sore spot all year long for the Bengals, a staff which sits at 4-7 regardless of its league-leading passing assault. Cincinnati ranks twenty third towards the cross, and the lack of Hill and now Turner will make it more and more difficult to enhance in that division. With out discovering a means to take action, a postseason berth won’t be possible.
Turner has two years remaining on his rookie pact. The Michigan product’s long-term well being will probably be a key concern on the staff’s half as one other contingency plan is sought out on the CB place.
