Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (illness) and safety Geno Stone (illness) are both active for Saturday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Ossai was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday while Stone popped up on the injury report on Thursday. However, both were able to turn the corner in time for kickoff. Ossai has tallied 12 tackles and three sacks over his past four contests. Stone is currently riding a three-game interception streak and has tallied nine tackles over this stretch. Both should continue to see starting opportunities on the Cincinnati defense.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (shoulder) had surgery on his shoulder after suffering a torn labrum that he played through this season, according to sources. Offensive tackle Jonah Williams (knee) also recently had knee surgery after dislocating his kneecap late in the year. The 22-year-old Ossai was taken in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft but didn't make his NFL debut until last season. He played in 16 regular season games and finished with 17 tackles (six solo), 10 QB hits, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown). It remains to be seen if Ossai will be recovered in time to take part in offseason workouts with the Bengals.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai with the No. 69 overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft on Friday night. Ossai is long and explosive and should help Cincinnati replace Carl Lawson. In the beginning of the third round, this is a great value pick for the Bengals. He has a high motor at the next level, which gives him a high ceiling at the next level. Ossai has a big frame (6-foot-4, 253 pounds), but he'll need to refine his hand usage in the NFL in order to be more consistent. He has good bend around the edge and has the potential to be a dangerous speed rusher for Cincy. Ossai has the versatility to be a 4-3 player or a standup guy in a 3-4 scheme that can drop into coverage.