Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati Bengals had a bit of an issue during Saturday’s practice. Starting defensive end Joseph Ossai left practice with an injury.
It was later noted that Ossai could have returned to practice if needed, but the coaches and training staff wanted to play it safe. However, he was sidelined for Sunday’s practice, so this will be something to monitor.
Elsewhere, Jermaine Burton was curiously absent from Sunday’s practice. A team spokesman later confirmed that Burton suffered an undisclosed injury and is considered day-to-day.
Ossai being out means first-round pick Shemar Stewart is getting extended time practicing with the first team. That is a huge opportunity for the rookie playing from behind the eight ball in the competition at EDGE due to his contract dispute with the Bengals, causing him to miss all of minicamp and a few training camp practices.
We will have to see if this impacts how much Stewart we see mixed in with the starters going forward. He has had some exciting moments in practice and in the preseason game on Thursday.
When Stewart was drafted, it was anticipated that he would need some time to refine his technique, but that he had all the physical ability necessary to succeed at a high level. We will see if Cincinnati sticks to that script with Trey Hendrickson still unsigned.
As for Burton, he’s competing with Charlie Jones to return punts and kickoffs while also hoping to earn more snaps on offense. Burton’s absence means Jones will be getting more of those reps for the time being.
