The Cincinnati Bengals might get good news about offensive tackle La’el Collins after all.
It was an unfortunate development on Wednesday when Collins missed practice with what the team listed as a back injury considering a back injury cost him most of training camp.
But on Thursday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that despite Collins missing practice that day, they still had hope he can play over the weekend.
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Taylor said the Bengals “feel good” about Collins suiting up against the New York Jets.
Wednesday, we suggested Collins’ absence was a typical veteran day for precautionary reasons. From the sounds of it, Collins is simply managing soreness.
Interestingly, that management task might explain why he’s looked so stiff at right tackle over his first two starts with the team. For Week 3, getting on the field is just one step in a critical process — the Bengals also need him to keep improving.
Friday, moreso than usual, will be a critical day for the Bengals as final injury reports roll out.
