Bengals still in flux at cornerback position
The Bengals outside cornerback group remains a work in progress.
Due to Chidobe Awuzie's and Trae Waynes' lingering injuries, the Bengals finished the game against the San Francisco 49ers with Eli Apple on the field alongside Vernon Hargreaves III, whom the Bengals claimed in November. That means the Bengals have four different combinations of starting cornerbacks they could use this week against the Denver Broncos.
If Awuzie can play, and he says he should be able to, the Bengals will use him alongside either Waynes or Apple.
If Waynes is also healthy, the coaching staff will have to make a decision between Waynes and Apple, who has played extremely well since the Bengals' bye week.
If Awuzie and Waynes both can't play, then Apple will start alongside Hargreaves against a talented Broncos receiving corp.
More injury updates
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson left the 49ers game with a back injury. Taylor was feeling optimistic regarding Hendrickson, who leads the Bengals with 12.5 sacks.
“We will kind of see where it goes. I've got a positive outlook on this week. We will just take it day to day with him,” Taylor said.
Linebacker Logan Wilson will not play in Denver. Wilson hurt his shoulder in Cincinnati's Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Riley Reiff, the Bengals' starting right tackle, is doubtful because of an ankle injury. If Reiff is unable to go, Isaiah Prince will start.
Bengals cornerback Darius Phillips, who injured his shoulder on a fumbled punt return against the 49ers, was placed on the Reserve/injured list and will miss at least three weeks.
Taking precautions against COVID-19
The NFL is dealing with a surge in COVID-19 cases, and seven teams, including the Cleveland Browns, have now entered the league's more intensive protocols to contain the virus.
Despite no Bengals player testing positive this week, Cincinnati is proceeding cautiously.
“I think that we may start doing some things differently,” Taylor said. “We have to be careful with what we're doing.”