Cincinnati Bengals Practice and Injury Report: Joseph Ossai’s Progress a Good Sign

Monday’s practice is exactly what Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had in mind when he drew up the script for the team’s offseason: a light, health-focused one that was more gym class than football practice.

Sixty-seven of the 68 players on the 53-man roster and practice squad were present and participating as the team began game week ahead of the season opener Sunday against the Browns.

Joseph Ossai Only Player Not Practicing Monday

The only player who was not practicing was defensive end Joseph Ossai, who suffered a right ankle injury on the opening drive of the preseason finale Aug. 26 at Washington. But while Ossai was not practicing, he was present for the first time after missing both of last week’s sessions.

Ossai in jersey but on rehab field

— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) September 4, 2023

Ossai was doing rehab work off to the side, which could be a good sign when it comes to avoiding going on the injured reserve, which would require him to miss the first four games.

But Taylor made it sound as though that is not under consideration, as he confirmed that Ossai is day to day and not week to week.

Right tackle La’el Collins, who is on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and does not count against the 53-man roster, continues to progress on the rehab field. He tore the ACL in his left knee on Dec. 24 and, by being placed on PUP, will have to miss at least the first four games.