The Cincinnati Bengals are staring down a Sunday matchup against the Jaguars with a serious question mark hanging over key safety Bryan Cook, who is still battling an ankle injury. Cook, a pivotal part of their defense, was limited in practice all week, and the team is holding off on a final decision about his status until the weekend. This is huge for a team trying to bounce back from its first loss of the 2026 season.
Cook and Risner: Two Major Headaches For the Bengals
Cook’s presence on the field is a big deal for Cincinnati. He is already having a solid season, racking up 12 tackles, forcing one fumble, and recovering another. Missing him against the Jaguars would be a significant blow to their secondary. On the offensive side, right guard Dalton Risner is also listed as questionable due to a knee injury. Risner missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which is never a good sign, but he did manage to return for a full practice on Friday. That’s a glimmer of hope, but his availability and effectiveness will be critical for the offensive line as they look to protect their quarterback and establish the run game.
A Growing List of Concerns Ahead of Sunday
The injury report does not stop there for the Bengals. They have a handful of players listed as questionable as they gear up for the Jaguars. Linebacker Swayze Bozeman is dealing with a groin injury, and defensive tackle B.J. Hill has an Achilles issue, both making them questionable for the game. On top of those, safety Kyle Dugger, who has a quad injury, and wide receiver Colbie Young, battling a knee injury, have both been officially ruled out for Sunday’s contest. This growing list of sidelined or uncertain players means the Bengals will need some big performances from the guys who are cleared to play if they want to get back in the win column.
This Sunday, the Bengals are fighting to avoid a second consecutive loss against the Jaguars. With several key players dinged up, every snap will count. Keep an eye on that final decision for Bryan Cook, because his status could absolutely swing the momentum.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply