PLAYER NOTES
–LB Preston Brown seems likely to return for Week 3 after missing the Ravens game because of an ankle injury sustained in the season-opening win at Indianapolis. Brown practiced Monday and said if Week 2’s game was on a Sunday, he likely could have suited up.
–C Billy Price will sit out this week due to a sprained foot. The rookie was taken out in the first quarter and was in a walking boot. On Wednesday, he said it’s not a Lisfranc fracture, which would likely end his season. Price will be in a walking boot for the next two weeks and then will be re-valuated.
–K Randy Bullock agreed to a two-year contract on Tuesday as the Bengals invested in their kicking game following a rough Week 2 for kickers around the league. While league kickers made 76.5 percent of field goals in Week 2, Bullock has been dependable with the Bengals by making 45 of 47 extra points and 27 of 30 field goals.
–OL Trey Hopkins probably will be the starting center for the Bengals this week if Billy Price is unable to play. He spent the majority of last week’s game at center after Price exited with a foot injury. Hopkins was the starting right guard last season, but lost his starting job in the preseason to Alex Richmond.
–RB Thomas Rawls, who most recently played with the Seattle Seahawks, was added to the backfield as a free agent on Wednesday. Formerly a rising star, various injuries derailed his career and he was not on a roster in Week 1 after being cut by the Jets at the end of preseason. In 2015 with the Seahawks, he torched Cincinnati’s defense for 169 yards and a touchdown Rawls was signed because RB Tra Carson injured his hamstring Monday.
–RB Tra Carson was expected to be the backup to Giovani Bernard while Joe Mixon recovers from a knee injury. However, on Monday he injured his hamstring and Wednesday, the Bengals waived Carson. He was waived instead of being placed on injured reserve because the injury is not season-ending.
–DE Michael Johnson (sprained knee) appears ahead of schedule but it’s unknown if he will play Week 3 at Carolina. Johnson was limited to five snaps, was working out on a rehab field Monday but by Wednesday, he started practice working with the defensive line.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: An indication of how well Cincinnati’s offense is clicking so far can be gleaned by examining wide receiver A.J. Green’s performance through the first two games. Last week social media was abuzz over Green getting three touchdowns in 17 minutes to highlight the win over the Ravens. Eight years into their partnership, Green and quarterback Andy Dalton ranked fourth among active duos with 56 touchdowns. Last week, he scored the first three touchdowns and finished with five catches for 69 yards. On his first two touchdowns, the 6-foot-4 Green was matched up on 5-foot-9 nickel corner Tavon Young as a slot receiver. On the third touchdown, Green scored while being matched Marlon Humphrey, three inches taller than Young and the Bengals still scored. “That defense over there — and every defense — is trying to take me away. I don’t want them to force anything to me. I will make plays when my number is called.” So far, Green has 11 catches for 161 yards and four touchdowns. Last year, through two weeks, Green had 10 catches, 141 yards, and no touchdowns.
GAME PLAN: While the ability to run effectively might be in danger because of the absence of starting center Billy Price and running back Joe Mixon, the Bengals are expected to emphasize it for two reasons — Giovani Bernard and an opponent ranked 25th in run defense. It will be interesting to see the Bengals’ strategy for containing LB Luke Kuechly, who remains one of the best run-stoppers in the sport and recorded 13 tackles in the last meeting.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Bengals defense vs. Panthers QB Cam Newton. Through two games, Carolina’s offense has appeared somewhat one-dimensional. Newton is leading the Panthers in passing and rushing and no player has attempted more than 18 carries. Newton also has not been throwing many deep balls and he is 0-for-6 on throws of at least 20 yards.
–Bengals running game vs. Pantrs Luke Kuechly. Kuechly is among the best in run-stop percentage according to Pro Football Focus and with Giovani Bernard stepping in for the injured Joe Mixon, it will be intriguing to see how the Bengals approach the run game against one of the league’s best and an opponent, who enters Week 3 ranked 25th in run defense.
