If the Cincinnati Bengals are going to go on a Super Bowl run, they'll have to do without one of their top defensive players.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was placed on injured reserve Monday, ending his 2021 season. The veteran lineman suffered a right foot injury in Saturday’s wild-card victory against the Raiders. After signing with the Bengals last offseason, Ogunjobi recorded career highs in sacks (7.0), tackles for loss (12) and QB hits (16) while making 16 starts.
Fellow tackle B.J. Hill filled in nicely for Ogunjobi this past weekend, recording a sack and tackle for loss. The Bengals' defensive line will be worth monitoring this week, as pass rusher Trey Hendrickson (concussion) and defensive tackle Mike Daniels (groin) also exited the playoff win early.
Guard Xavier Su’a-Filo, who's been out since early October, was activated from IR.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was immobilized and carted off the field in the third quarter on Monday night following a collision with Rams running back Cam Akers. The team later announced Baker sustained a concussion and would not return. Arizona announced earlier in the day that it had activated defensive end J.J. Watt from injured reserve ahead of its wild-card game against the Rams. Linebacker Ezekiel Turner was also activated from IR.
- The Cincinnati Bengals designated guard Xavier Su'a-Filo for return from injured reserve.
- The Green Bay Packers activated guard Lucas Patrick off the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth (ankle) and cornerback David Long Jr. (knee) exited early against the Cardinals.
- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who underwent testing Monday on his injured ankle, expressed optimism in a Twitter post that he'll be "good to go" for next week's game versus the Packers. Warner exited this past Sunday's wild-card win over the Cowboys in the second half.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is currently in a boot but has a chance to play in the Divisional Round versus the winner of Monday's Cardinals-Rams game. Wirfs missed the second half of the Bucs' wild-card win over the Eagles with an ankle injury. Arians might not know the status of Wirfs or center Ryan Jensen, who played through an injured ankle, until Friday.
- Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel said a decision has not been made yet on whether running back Derrick Henry will play in Saturday's Divisional Round game versus the Bengals, per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Vrabel added that this is a big week for Henry to get acclimated as the team prepares for a ground-heavy attack. Fullback Tory Carter was designated to return to practice.
Roster moves
- The Arizona Cardinals elevated defensive lineman Zach Kerr and cornerback Kevin Peterson to the active roster.
- The Baltimore Ravens re-signed cornerback Kevon Seymour for the 2022 season.
- The Los Angeles Rams activated safety Eric Weddle and defensive back Blake Countess from the practice squad ahead of Monday night's wild-card game against the Cardinals. Weddle was signed out of retirement last week.
