CIN will have a tough row to hoe to win the division. And get into the playoffs.
LB Burfict, who has been in and out so far with concussions, now undergoes knee surgery which will keep him out for a few weeks. AJ Green's toe problem lingers - missed 2 1/2 games so far. TE Eifert is still on IR-return since game 1, so they continue with rookie Ryan Hewitt and the hot 'n cold Gresham as the TEs. RG Zeitler came back last week after missing 2, but is injured again. DT Thompson hasn't played for weeks, and they have a host on their DNP list this Wednesday:
Did not practice – running back Giovani Bernard (hip/clavicle); cornerback Darqueze Dennard (hamstring), defensive end Carlos Dunlap, (illness); linebacker Rey Maualuga, (hamstring); defensive tackle Domata Peko (toe), guard/center Mike Pollak
(knee) offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (day off after wife gave birth to the couple’s fourth child), and guard Kevin Zeitler. Limited participation – Green (toe), cornerback Terence Newman (back) and tackle Andre Smith (knee).
They play JAX Sunday, and 4 days later suit up again on Thursday vs. CLE. Ouch.
Add in a difficult final 4 games: PGH, @CLE, DEN, @PGH. At this point, if they make the playoffs, I think it will be as a WC. BAL's final 4 are @MIA, JAX, @HOU, CLE, and PGH's is @CIN, @ATL, ending with two at home, KC and CIN.
Also - I'll root for MIA over SD - I don't know who wins the AFC West, but either DEN or SD looms as wildcard competition for BUF. And BUF has a chance to stab MIA in their 2nd game.