Bengals Former First-Round Pick Myles Murphy to Miss Multiple Weeks With Injury

The Cincinnati Bengals are getting hit hard with injuries before the regular season begins. So far, running back Chris Evans is out for the 2024 season with a torn patellar tendon, defensive lineman Cam Sample suffered a torn ACL, and now the team is dealing with a former first-round pick being sidelines for 4-6 weeks.

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According to Jeremy Fowler, “The #Bengals are expecting defensive end Myles Murphy to miss about four-to-six weeks with a knee sprain, per sources. The team will be conservative with the 2023 first-round pick to make sure he’s a full go upon return.”

Murphy apparently suffered a non-contact injury during practice and had to be helped off the field after clutching at his right knee. According to Fowler’s report, Murphy will miss 4-6 weeks with a knee sprain.

Fowler was the Bengals’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cincinnati drafted Murphy out of Clemson, where he played three seasons. During that time, Murphy logged 119 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

Murphy had a decent rookie season in 2023, securing three sacks, and 20 tackles. Though the hope was for Murphy to have an expanded role in 2024, he will need to be slowly brought along after suffering a knee sprain.

Murphy is part of a pass rush that includes Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Germaine Pratt.

The Bengals ended 2023 on a disappointing note after the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. The team would go 9-8, after being without quarterback Joe Burrow due to his undergoing season-ending wrist surgery.

Despite losing Burrown, the Bengals still managed to put together a winning record. The good news is Burrow is back to being fully healthy. The bad news is the team continues to be hit with significant injuries.

Murphy avoided what could have been a much more serious knee injury, but he might be brought along slowly in a way that would not risk him potentially tearing his ACL.

More news: Another Bengals Player Expected to Miss Entire Season Due to Injury

The AFC is loaded with tough talent, and the Bengals will need to be fully healthy down the stretch to compete with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and more.

The Bengals have plenty to worry about, including if wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will have a new deal set in place. Should Chase decide to hold out until that deal gets done, Cincinnati might have much bigger problems heading into the regular season.