The big headline item for the Cincinnati Bengals on the injury front before playing the Baltimore Ravens was the status of Lamar Jackson.
That, and the fact the Bengals didn't even feel the need to list a player on the final injury report.
But there’s an underlying story to that last point: Kyle Dugger’s name wasn’t on the injured list. Dugger had been on the report with a quad injury that has limited him to just three games this year.
Brought on as a critical piece of depth in free agency, it’s now worth wondering if Dugger’s return means a bigger snap-count share. Bryan Cook is back healthy too, but Jordan Battle has had some very obvious struggles this season.
From the sounds and looks of it, the Bengals aren’t opposed to working Samaje Perine more into the lineup on offense with Chase Brown struggling.
Could the Bengals turn around and do the same with Dugger and Battle?
The Bengals are, after all, a mere 3-2 coming out of the bye and going right into an AFC North slugfest with Derrick Henry at running back. If one poor angle from a safety, one missed tackle, leads to a game-changing explosive, it could swing the game.
So far, Dugger has only played 41 snaps over three games. But he’s a viable veteran option familiar with AFC North ball after his time in Pittsburgh who might just get more play than expected on Sunday, given Battle’s struggles.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Quiet, good Bengals injury news creates fresh storyline to watch