Bengals DL Hendrickson, Hill will play, Rankins out against Ravens

CINCINNATI – Previous experience against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be paramount for the Cincinnati Bengals in this week's AFC North showdown.

Fortunately, several Bengals defensemen who have battled injuries and have also played against Jackson in the past will be available for Sunday's game at Paycor Stadium.

Defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck/back) and defensive tackle BJ Hill (hamstring) are among those who will play in Cincinnati's first divisional game of the season, coach Zac Taylor said after practice Friday.

Second-year defensive end Myles Murphy, who played against Baltimore twice in his rookie year, said having players who know how to defend Jackson, a two-time MVP winner, will be crucial.

“Everyone except me played him multiple times a year,” Murphy said. “Having a feel for how he likes to play is, I think, very important, very crucial and very beneficial for us as well.”

Hendrickson suffered a neck injury in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. He and Hill, who missed the last two games, have been practicing all week.

Murphy is scheduled to make his season debut on Sunday. He suffered a knee sprain toward the end of training camp and began the year as an injured reserve. He and rookie defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, who was also on injured reserve with a knee injury, were cleared to practice earlier this week.

“It’s also important to have healthy guys,” Murphy said. “But the fact that we have a feel for how he plays I think will work in our favor a little bit.”

Murphy said he spent the week trying everything out and for the first week back he didn't feel any pain. Cincinnati's 2023 first-round pick said he prioritized communication with the coaching staff during the week in managing his deployment. Murphy indicated the approach would continue Sunday.

Despite the positive news for some of the Bengals' defensemen, Cincinnati will be without at least one key player.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) will be out, Taylor said. The Cincinnati coach did not rule out cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) for Sunday's game. However, Hilton did not practice all week after suffering the injury during the team's Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers.

During the week, Cincinnati (1-3) underlined the importance of opening division play this season with a win. The Bengals were 1-5 in AFC North play last year, with their only win coming against Cleveland in Week 18, when both teams' playoff fates were already decided.

The Bengals are also looking for their first home win of the year after losses to New England and Washington earlier this year.

“To have the season we want, you have to have a great home record,” Taylor said. “You have to play well at home. And that gives us the chance to get on the right foot. It gives us the opportunity to start the division off right.”