All In On Carter
After Friday’s practice, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor outlined why he has given fourth-round pick Barrett Carter the green dot helmet and the keys to calling the defense at linebacker.
“I just think the more opportunity he’ll get, the quicker he’s going to reach his potential. And so instead of sitting around and waiting, let’s just throw in the fire and get going,” Taylor said.
“He’s a physical player. I think he’s really good in coverage. I think he’s got leadership traits. These aren’t things that are a poor reflection of somebody else. This is just what I see as his high-end traits. And so I think all that matters, and again, just continue to give an opportunity for that to flourish.”
The Bengals defense is looking to put its foot in the ground against a Jets offense that has gone back-to-back games without scoring a touchdown. After the Bengals ended their first-half drought with 17 points the last time out, the Jets come in looking for their first offensive touchdown in the first half since the opener.
Injury Update
Zac Taylor is keeping his fingers crossed that Sunday’s game is going to be the healthiest his defensive line has been all year. The crossed fingers are for NFL sack champion Trey Hendrickson (hip), hoping to play after missing the win over the Steelers. He didn’t work Friday and is questionable. Backup edge Cam Sample (knee) is doubtful after going limited Thursday and sitting out Friday.
But rookie edge Shemar Stewart (ankle) is off the injury report after playing his first game in a month against the Steelers and now has had 10 days to rest it while getting more reps under his belt. Edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy have also had a healthy last couple of weeks.
Second-year edge Cedric Johnson may or not be an answer as a spot backup with Sample hurt. He’s still on injured reserve after completing his first week of practice since what seems to him forever.
After he changed up his offseason routine to build off a strong rookie finish, he tore up his calf the first week of August. He’s listed as questionable after going full all three days, but it’s moot if they choose to wait to activate him. (Update: Johnson was ruled out for Week 8 Saturday afternoon).
“I feel great. Just to get back out there. The time went slow. Just taking it week-to-week,” said Johnson, the sixth-rounder from Ole Miss.
Johnson took 20 of his 83 rookie snaps in last season’s final two games, when he racked up three of his four quarterback hits and his one sack. Plus, Pro Football Focus graded him the Bengals’ highest-rated pass rusher in the Week 17 overtime win over Denver.
Johnson stayed at Paycor Stadium during the offseason and worked with Bengals strength and conditioning boss Joey Boese, which made the injury doubly tough.
“Overall working on strength and speed and positional drills,” Johnson said. “Just trying to build off those good rushes and make them better.”
Returner Charlie Jones (ribs) went full the last two days and is good to go.
About the Author
