Cincinnati Bengals Camp Twist: Injury Caution Sparks Rookie Rise

Cincinnati Bengals Camp Twist: Injury Caution Sparks Rookie Rise

The Cincinnati Bengals dealt with a couple of injury-related wrinkles over the weekend, but the early signs suggest limited long-term concern. Starting defensive end Joseph Ossai left Saturday’s practice with an injury, and while he could have returned if needed, the staff opted for caution. He did not participate on Sunday, making his status something to monitor as the week progresses.

Wide receiver Jermaine Burton was also absent from Sunday’s session. A team spokesman said Burton sustained an undisclosed injury and is considered day-to-day. In the short term, his absence clears more return reps for Charlie Jones, with Burton and Jones competing for punt and kickoff duties while Burton also pushes for offensive snaps.

Ossai’s temporary absence has opened the door for first-round pick Shemar Stewart to log extended work with the starters. For a rookie who missed all of minicamp and some early training camp practices due to a contract dispute, these first-team reps are valuable. Stewart has already flashed in practice and in Thursday’s preseason game, and this stretch could accelerate his development. When Stewart was drafted, the expectation was that he would require refinement of his technique but possessed top-tier physical traits. How the Bengals balance that developmental plan with the immediate need for rotational edge snaps bears watching over the next couple of weeks.

What this means now:
– The Bengals are prioritizing health over August reps, which is typical this time of year. Keeping Ossai sidelined after he could have returned indicates precaution rather than panic.
– Stewart’s increased workload offers coaches a clearer evaluation window after his missed time. If he stacks productive practices, he could earn a larger early-season role.
– With Burton day-to-day, Jones gains a chance to strengthen his case in the return competition and build timing on offense.

Logical context and outlook:
In training camp, day-to-day designations and precautionary sit-outs often point to minor issues, especially for veterans and projected contributors. The upside for Cincinnati is the forced evaluation of depth—particularly at EDGE and in the return game—without compromising the longer-term availability of key players. If Stewart continues to flash while Ossai ramps back up, the Bengals could emerge from camp with a deeper, more flexible edge rotation. On special teams, a clear leader between Burton and Jones would stabilize a high-impact phase of the game.

Summary:
– Joseph Ossai exited Saturday’s practice but was held out as a precaution and did not practice Sunday.
– Jermaine Burton is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, opening more return reps for Charlie Jones.
– Rookie EDGE Shemar Stewart is taking first-team reps in Ossai’s absence, an important opportunity after missing earlier portions of the offseason.
– Short-term setbacks could yield long-term gains as Cincinnati evaluates depth and accelerates Stewart’s development.

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