Miami Dolphins vs Cincinnati Bengals Inactive and Injury Reports for Thursday Night Football
By Robert Duff in NFL Football
Published:
- Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (back) has been cleared to play in the Miami Dolphins vs Cincinnati Bengals injury report for NFL Week 4 TNF
- Cincinnati right tackle La’el Collins (back) is listing as questionable to play
- Review all the details of the final Dolphins vs Bengals injury report in the story below
The Miami Dolphins were getting plenty of injury news prior to their Week 4 TNF game against the Cincinnati Bengals. And it was all good news.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back/ankle) is cleared to play. Likewise, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (groin) is also trending toward playing.
On the Bengals side of the ledger, there’s not nearly as long as an injury report. One of the key names on there, though, is starting right tackle Le’El Collins. He’s listing as questionable to play.
The 1-2 Bengals are 4-point home favorites over the 3-0 AFC East-leading Dolphins in the Miami vs Cincinnati betting line, however, Miami is getting the majority of public support in Dolphins vs Bengals public betting.
Miami Dolphins Injury Report
The Dolphins are listing four offensive starters and three starters on defense as questionable for this game. Like Tagovailoa and Waddle, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr (ribs/toe) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Left tackle Terron Armstead (toe) did not practice.
Expectations are that Armstead will also be playing. However, the scenario for Wilson is not nearly as certain. He’s going to be a game-time decision, so you might want to hold off placing any over wagers on him in the Dolphins vs Bengals player props.
From earlier this morning with @JamieErdahl & @gmfb crew: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and WR Jaylen Waddle are expected to play tonight though official confirmation will come in hours ahead of the game.
More here on @nflnetwork about injuries & Tua’s impact to Dolphins offense: pic.twitter.com/HVTzBgnfLF
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 29, 2022
Defensively, the major concern for Miami is the status of All-Pro starting left cornerback Xavien Howard. He’s dealing with both groin and glute issues. Howard didn’t practice on Monday and was limited on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Still, he’s insisting that he’ll be playing.
Two other starters – strong safety Brandon Jones (chest) and nose tackle Raekwon Davis (knee) – are also questionable. Jones followed the same practice pattern this week as Howard. Davis has practiced all week but was limited in participation each day.
A late addition to the Miami injury list due to illness is backup weak-side linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. He’s also questionable. Depth tight ends Cethan Carter (concussion) and Hunter Long (ankle) are both out.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
Cincinnati’s injury report isn’t nearly as lengthy or detailed as the laundry list that the Dolphins are dealing with heading into the TNF game.
Collins is the major concern among the walking wounded. He hasn’t practiced all week. However, the Bengals are insisting that their starting right tackle will be playing against Miami.
Bengals RT La’el Collins estimated to be a full practice participant, according to the team’s injury report. Officially questionable for tomorrow’s game against MIA.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 28, 2022
The news is much better in regards to Germaine Pratt (knee). The starting middle linebacker in Cincinnati’s 4-3 defense returned for full practice on Tuesday and should be good to go.
Defensive tackle DJ Reader was placed on the injured reserve list. He suffered a knee injury to his left MCL in last Sunday’s win over the New York Jets. Reader won’t need surgery but is expected to be missing for six weeks.
Tight end Drew Sample is also out for Thursday’s game. He’s also dealing with a knee issue.
How Could Injuries Affect Dolphins vs Bengals Betting Lines?
There has to be a concern for Miami’s aerial game when you’re making your Dolphins vs Bengals picks. A back is a painful ailment to deal with as an NFL QB. Tagovailoa rates second in the NFL in QBR and in yards per passing attempt.
As well, if Waddle and Wilson are not able to contribute to the downfield passing attack, it will make it easier for Bengals CB Eli Apple to contain Tyreek Hill just as well as he did during last season’s AFC Championship Game.
Howard is an opportunistic defender. He’s third all-time in interceptions by a Miami CB with 27. He held Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs to 74 yards in receptions and no TDs on Sunday. Howard makes plays and that aspect of his game would be missed.
Xavien Howard, I thought, had a pretty decent day. Allowing 7 receptions for 74 yards and 0 TDs against one of the best WRs in football. The INTs might not be there yet, but he is quietly making his impact in the secondary. pic.twitter.com/ypjRkfd9sv
— Jacob Meshel (@JacobMeshel) September 26, 2022
By placing Reader on IR, the Bengals are guaranteed to be without him for the next four weeks minimum. He’s a going concern on the interior of the Cincinnati defensive line and will be missed. Reader generally commands double teams. He accounted for 43 tackles and two sacks last season.
Collins has been battling his back ailment since training camp. He spent part of July and August on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
Sports Writer
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
