The first pre-season game was costly for the Cincinnati Bengals, who seemingly get more depleted on their interior lines by the minute.
Three important players to the Bengals – starters – we were injured in the game against the New York Jets, and the losses were significant.
Starting offensive guard Travelle Wharton was sidelined for the entire season with a knee injury. Wharton’s absence leaves a major void in the Bengals offensive line that was solid last season.
Also, starting defensive end Carlos Dunlap also hurt his knee and will not like return before September 10.
Coach Marvin Lewis said Dunlaps’ injury was a sprain that can be overcome over time. Dunlap was obviously disappointed, but not dejected.
“It is what it is and now I have to do what I got to do to get back on the field,” Dunlap said, to the Cincinnati Enquirer. “They’re not going to let me go back out there until I am fully prepared. It’s one of those situations where you have to do a lot to get back out there and now I have to do it.”
Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga also left with a knee injury but walked around the sideline freely. After the game he said that he thinks he’ll be all right.
Dunlap was injured in the first quarter of Friday’s game after he clipped knees with Jets receiver Patrick Turner. He eventually walked off the field slowly with assistance. He had 9½ sacks as a rookie in 2010, but was limited by injuries last year and had only 4½ sacks.
The Bengals moved Dunlap into the starting spot at left end because five-year starter Robert Geathers was out with a knee injury. That means Jamaal Anderson, a 2007 first-round draft pick by the Falcons, will start Thursday’s preseason game at Atlanta
