Myles Murphy, who will aid the Bengals’ pass rush, is returning. Murphy, who was designated as an IR-return when Cincinnati created its original 53-man roster, went back to practice on Wednesday.
The 2023 first-round pick’s ability to practice today is a positive indication that he will be ready to participate in Week 5. McKinnley Jackson, a defensive tackle, was also declared for return by the Bengals. Jackson has never before been designated for return, unlike Murphy. McKinnley will count against the team’s activation total as soon as the Bengals activate him.
Murphy already has because the team used their August IR-return slot on him. Murphy joined punter Brad Robbins in that regard. Cincinnati placed Robbins on injured reserve on Monday, but they cut him on Tuesday. The Bengals’ activation count will remain at five going forward if Jackson is activated this week.
Murphy went to IR due to a sprained knee. He will be back to add a fascinating bit to the background of Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. Murphy saw action as a backup in all 17 Bengals games during the previous campaign, totaling 305 defensive snaps. Out of three sacks, the Clemson product only recorded three quarterback hits. Cincinnati still plans to develop Murphy as a potential starter because it has Hubbard contracted until 2025 and Hendrickson in a contract year. He currently fits the profile of a vital depth player for a Bengals club that has once more had a poor start.
Jackson, who was selected 97th overall out of Texas A&M, brings back some familiarity to the Bengals, who have been without starting linebackers B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins because of hamstring problems. Jackson was placed on injured reserve by the Bengals soon after they finalized their roster, but Wednesday’s move implies that the youngster is still part of the team’s 2024 plans.
