Bengals Bryant to miss Preseason Opener
Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Antonio Bryant has been battling a knee injury in the last two seasons and throughout this year’s off-season workouts. He’s hoping to be back to full capacity for this season, which is why he’ll have to miss the Bengals pre-season opener in the team’s hall of fame game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Bryant was one of the Bengals most prized off-season acquisitions. He was originally chosen over Terrell Owens in March as the Bengals signed him to a four-year deal worth $28 million. Bryant has proven in his career that when he’s healthy, he’s a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver. However they aren’t sure when he’ll be able to play, which has factored into the team’s decision to sign Owens anyway.
The Hall of Fame game that will open the pre-season will now feature Chad Ochocinco and Owens as the team’s two feature receivers. Owens is playing his former Cowboys team for the first time since they released him following the 2008 season.
Pacman Jones will also play in his first game against the Cowboys since he was released by the team due to off-the-field issues.
Other Bengals players that are battling injuries and will miss some of the pre-season include Andre Smith and Fui Vakapuna. Coach Marvin Lewis commented on the team’s injury situation: “Some other guys will probably be more in the questionable area, and we’ll see how the next couple of days unfold. They’re kind of bumped and bruised, and some may need the time to continue the healing process, but we’ll see what they can get done in the next two days out there on the practice field and whether or not they’re eligible to play on Sunday with us.”
While Bryant will miss the game, it may not matter much as both teams are expected to play their starters only for the first quarter and possibly some of the second quarter.
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