Breaking News: The Bengals’ premier draft selection will be tested right away due to a significant injury to a key player.
In the NFL, when one player gets injured, it often creates opportunities for others, which is now the case for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Amarius Mims to Start for Bengals After Trent Brown’s Injury
The Bengals have lost starting offensive tackle Trent Brown for the season due to a torn patellar tendon sustained in the game against the Washington Commanders on Monday night. This injury is a significant setback for the team but provides rookie tackle Amarius Mims the chance to prove himself. Mims, a Georgia alum, missed the first two games of the season due to a pectoral injury incurred during preseason but made his professional debut against Washington.
The Bengals selected Mims in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a key player on the offensive line. However, his lack of experience—having started only eight games in college—raised some eyebrows regarding his selection. This was particularly surprising given the team’s decision to draft him.
Initially, the Bengals planned to gradually introduce Mims to the NFL by allowing him to gain experience while playing behind a seasoned veteran like Brown. However, with Brown’s injury, Mims will now be thrust into the starting role immediately, giving the team a chance to evaluate his capabilities. While this is not the ideal scenario for a rookie, in-game experience can be the best teacher, potentially aiding Mims in rapidly developing his skills.
“Amarius Mims is the next guy up, and nobody’s better for the job,” stated Bengals center Ted Karras. “He’s the guy we drafted to play right tackle, and I’m excited to see what he can do with a full week of preparation.”
The Bengals are facing a challenging situation, having started the season 0-3, making their chances of reaching the playoffs slim. Since 1990, only four out of 160 teams that began with an 0-3 record have gone on to make the playoffs. To avoid missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the Bengals will need strong performances from their recent top draft pick.
