Bengals Game Day Newsletter 5 Nov 5th Cincinnati_Digital | Page 63

That offensive line led the way for the Jaguars
running game, even with Leonard Fournette
unavailable. His absence meant T.J. Yeldon was
active for the fi rst time in 2017, and the third-
year back took advantage with 122 rushing
yards on nine carries, including a 58-yard
touchdown run late in the third quarter.
Will those three have to play down the stretch?
Who knows, but if something happens to the
starting unit, there is comfort in knowing that
the depth of the roster paid off and can be
counted on when needed.
THIS WEEK
The Jaguars start a stretch of fi ve of the next
seven games at EverBank Field with today’s
game against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4).
AP Images
ankle injury and illness, respectively, and left
tackle Cam Robinson went down on the second
snap of the game with an ankle injury.
That meant backup players coming in to play
key roles in an important division road game.
For the third straight week Tyler Shatley fi lled
in at center in place of Linder. The third-year
interior lineman saw four starts in 2016 – two
at center and two at guard – and spot fi ll-in
action throughout his NFL career, but the
three-game starting stretch is the longest in
his career. Linder is expected to return to the
starting lineup once healthy.
Also on the offensive line, Josh Wells fi lled
in for Robinson at left tackle in Indianapolis.
An undrafted player in 2014, Wells missed the
entire 2015 season with a thumb injury that
kept him on injured reserve deep into the
2016 season. When healthy, Wells has been
an important special teams player and swing
tackle who can play both sides in a pinch.
Robinson battled injuries throughout his
collegiate career, but never missed a start with
Alabama in three seasons.
After dropping three straight games to start the
season, the Bengals have won three of their
last four to stay within reach in the AFC North
division race.
Quarterback Andy Dalton threw two touchdowns
in last week’s 24-23 win over the Colts,
including one to veteran receiver A.J. Green for
his fourth touchdown reception of the season.
The Bengals have struggled to fi nd a consistent
running game, leaning on rookie back Joe Mixon
who has run for 253 yards on 85 carries and has
the lone rushing touchdown of the season for
the Bengals.
On defense, the Bengals rank sixth overall in
the NFL, including third in the league against
the pass.
Defensive tackle Geno Atkins leads the Bengals
with four sacks, six tackles for loss and eight
quarterback hurries, but a host of rookies and
fi rst-year starters have helped the Bengals
defense so far.
Keep an eye on the Bengals’ leading tacklers –
outside l