The Bengals have activated DE Myles Murphy and DT McKinnley Jackson off of IR. Both are now on the active roster.
Murphy and Jackson had both been placed on IR with return designations late in August, as they were dealing with knee injuries.
Murphy, a 2023 1st round pick, was expected to take on a larger role in the rotation this season. His absence has been felt, with a banged up Sam Hubbard taking on more snaps as a result. But for Hubbard, more snaps has led to diminishing returns thus far. Murphy is reportedly ready for a big workload, and his return could not come at a better time, with the Bengals set to face a tough Ravens team.
Jackson, meanwhile, is a rookie 3rd round pick. He fits the profile of a run stuffing NT, and stopping the run has been the team’s biggest weakness through the first 4 games. He would be playing a ton of snaps, most likely, but he should be a useful part of the rotation, assuming he is healthy enough to suit up immediately after his activation.
The Bengals already had one roster spot open, after Brad Robbins was waived, but to make room for both players to return, the team has additionally waived DT Zach Carter.
Carter, a 2022 3rd round pick, had been getting a lot of playing time due to the injuries. However, he was routinely one of the worst players on the field, so this move does not come as a surprise. We will see if the Bengals still keep him around on the practice squad, should he clear waivers.
