The Cincinnati Bengals have had a rough start to the 2024 NFL season, losing one-score games to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs and starting 0-2 for the third consecutive season. Their run defense has been a disaster throughout their first two games, allowing the 7th-most rushing yards in the league with 319.
Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson ran over the defense in Week 1 with 120 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. Isiah Pacheco had 90 yards on 19 attempts in Week 2 before exiting the game with an injury. Injuries to their defensive line have factored into their issues with stopping the run.
Rookie McKinnley Jackson suffered a knee sprain during practice in August, and the Bengals placed him on injured reserve two days after the roster cutdown deadline. He will miss at least the first four weeks. Rookie Kris Jenkins suffered a thumb injury ahead of Week 1. He underwent surgery and has missed the first two games.
Finally, starting defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins exited Week 2 with hamstring injuries, and both didn’t return to the game. It’s too early to decipher whether Hill and Rankins can play in their Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday night. Concerned with their defensive tackle depth, the Bengals hosted a Super Bowl champion on Tuesday.
The New England Patriots hosted a D-lineman on Tuesday
The Bengals worked out Lawrence Guy Sr. on Tuesday. Guy, a 34-year-old defensive lineman, is in his 14th year in the league and is primarily known for his run-stopping abilities but can also rush the passer. He spent the last seven seasons with the New England Patriots, including a Super Bowl victory during the 2018-19 season. He has 507 tackles, 39 TFLs, 17 sacks, nine pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 177 games and 122 starts. The Patriots released him in February. He remained a free agent at the start of the season.
Guy impressed the team.
The Cincinnati Bengals announced massive news
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Bengals signed Lawrence Guy Sr. to their 53-man roster. As Pelissero points out, injuries to their defensive line could allow Guy to step into an important role. The defense gets much-needed depth, experience, and skill to their thin defensive line.
Veteran DL Lawrence Guy is signing to the #Bengals’ 53-man roster, per source.
Cincinnati has injuries up front and Guy, the former #Patriots standout, should have a chance to make an immediate impact. pic.twitter.com/1XHSYZiP7F
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 17, 2024
Fans react to the signing
Now here’s a guy pic.twitter.com/eRUh5m89wE
— Not Jake 🥷🏻 (@CincyHub) September 17, 2024
Patriot legend
— Gatsby (@ZachGatsby) September 17, 2024
Well, he’s better than nothing
— Charismatic Philipa👓 (@Chiomaphi) September 17, 2024
he doesn’t have a job rn???
— Optify 🦁 (@optifyy_) September 17, 2024
They saw Carson Steele is starting now and got scared
— NFL YOUNGBOY (@BlitzedByTurner) September 17, 2024
