The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after Sunday’s games, setting up a nail-biting finale in Week 18.
The path to the postseason isn’t impossible, but it’s certainly narrow – the Bengals need to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh to finish 9-8 and complete a five-game winning streak.
Yet even that might not be enough, as wins by the Denver Broncos or the Miami Dolphins would eliminate Cincinnati from playoff contention.
Adding to their challenges, the Bengals made a significant roster move that impacts their defensive line.
Veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins landed on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list Monday, effectively ending his season as the mandatory four-game absence extends beyond any potential playoff run.
We have placed DT Sheldon Rankins on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list. pic.twitter.com/YnZ3g7JGuA
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 30, 2024
Rankins’ first year in Cincinnati hasn’t gone according to plan. The ninth-year pro managed just seven games this season, contributing 18 tackles and one sack while battling various setbacks, including a troublesome hamstring injury.
His future with the team looks uncertain – the Bengals could opt to part ways in the offseason, a move that would create $10.5 million in cap space with only a $2 million dead cap hit.
The timing is particularly tough for Cincinnati’s defense. Rankins joined the Bengals on a two-year, $24.5 million contract before the 2024 season, brought in to fill the void left by DJ Reader’s departure to the Detroit Lions.
With Rankins sidelined, the defensive line duties have fallen to rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson, who’ve been thrust into larger roles alongside veteran BJ Hill.
As the Bengals prepare for their crucial Week 18 matchup, they’ll need their young defensive line to step up if they hope to keep their playoff dreams alive.
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