Credit: USATSI
The Cincinnati Bengals may be without a key player for their season opener. Right tackle Amarius Mims is expected to miss several weeks due to a strained pectoral muscle, according to head coach Zac Taylor. This injury will likely keep Mims out of the final two preseason games, and his availability for the Bengals’ first game against the New England Patriots on September 8 is uncertain.
“I wouldn’t take anything off the table.” Taylor said when asked whether it’s unlikely that Mims will start on Week 1. “I think he’s had a really good training camp. Obviously, it’s tough that he’s not going to get some opportunities.”
Trent Brown Takes Over
Mims, who was drafted 18th overall by the Bengals in April, has made a positive impression on the coaching staff during training camp. The former Georgia standout was expected to continue taking reps with the first-team offense until the injury sidelined him. Veteran Trent Brown took over Mims’ first-team reps in practice on Monday.
Injury Details
The Bengals are unsure of when Mims’ injury occurred, but he played 15 offensive snaps in the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the game, Mims mentioned some discomfort, leading to further imaging that revealed the strain.
Despite the injury, Mims had not shown any signs of concern and remained eager to get more reps in his first NFL season. “I was called to play football, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Mims said. “Preseason or regular season. I’m going to keep enjoying it. If I’m blessed to get more reps from coach, then I’m going to take all the reps that I can get.”
Rookie’s Camp Impact
The Bengals had high hopes for Mims, despite his limited experience in college. During his three seasons at Georgia, Mims made just eight starts, six of which came in 2023. However, he missed six games that season due to an ankle injury.
Taylor remains optimistic about Mims’ return, praising the rookie’s attitude and progress in camp.
“He’s still got the same energetic personality,” Taylor said. “This didn’t set him back at all. Excited to see how he responds to this when he gets healthy and gets back on the field.”
This report used information from ESPN.
