Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals navigate the grueling final stretch of the NFL season—with playoff hopes on the line—staying healthy has become a top priority. After dealing with key injuries earlier in the year, including Joe Burrow’s knee strain and Tee Higgins’ concussion, the team has doubled down on sharing and implementing proactive injury prevention strategies. These tips, crafted by the Bengals’ medical staff, strength coaches, and veteran players, aren’t just generic advice; they’re tailored to the physical demands of football and the unique needs of each position group. Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down the core practices the team has adopted, from dynamic warmups to recovery routines, and how these habits have helped reduce injuries and keep the roster intact during a critical time. For a team aiming to make a deep postseason run, these prevention tips are just as important as game-day tactics—ensuring every player is ready to contribute when it matters most.

Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the team’s emphasis on position-specific warmup routines, a shift from the one-size-fits-all approach they used in previous seasons. Recognizing that a lineman’s body faces different stressors than a wide receiver’s, the Bengals’ strength and conditioning staff have designed pre-practice and pre-game warmups tailored to each group. For offensive and defensive linemen, this means focusing on hip mobility, core stability, and shoulder activation—drills like banded hip openers and plank variations to protect against strains from blocking and tackling. Skill position players, meanwhile, prioritize dynamic stretches for speed and agility: high knees, lateral shuffles, and cone drills to loosen muscles and improve reaction time, reducing the risk of hamstring or ankle injuries. “We used to have everyone do the same warmup, but we realized that wasn’t addressing the unique needs of each position,” said Bengals head strength coach Joey Boese. “Now, a receiver is doing drills to prepare for cutting, while a lineman is building stability for heavy contact. It’s made a huge difference in how our players feel during games.” This personalized approach has paid off: the Bengals have seen a 30% drop in soft-tissue injuries (like hamstring strains) since implementing the position-specific warmups in Week 10.

A key tip shared widely among the Bengals is the importance of “active recovery” on rest days—moving the body gently to promote blood flow and reduce muscle soreness, rather than sitting idle. Instead of taking full days off, players are encouraged to engage in low-intensity activities like swimming, yoga, or walking, which help flush out lactic acid and keep muscles loose. Veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson has been a vocal advocate for yoga, hosting optional sessions for teammates twice a week. “Yoga helps with flexibility and mental focus—two things that prevent injuries,” Hendrickson said. “When your muscles are tight, you’re more likely to pull something during a game. Yoga keeps me loose, and it’s a great way to bond with the guys too.” The Bengals’ medical staff also provides each player with a personalized recovery plan, including foam rolling techniques and targeted stretches for areas prone to tightness (like the quads for running backs or the neck for linebackers). Even quarterbacks, who face less physical contact but still deal with arm and shoulder fatigue, have specific recovery routines: light resistance band work for the shoulders and wrist stretches to prevent overuse injuries. This focus on active recovery has helped the Bengals stay fresh late in the season, when fatigue often leads to costly mistakes and injuries.

Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals also highlights the team’s focus on nutrition and hydration as foundational to staying healthy. The Bengals’ nutrition staff works closely with each player to create meal plans that support muscle repair, reduce inflammation, and maintain energy levels—prioritizing protein (like lean meats and plant-based options) for muscle recovery, healthy fats (avocados, nuts) for hormone balance, and complex carbs (oats, sweet potatoes) for sustained energy. Hydration, too, is emphasized: players are provided with customized water bottles that track intake, and the team’s training facility has hydration stations stocked with electrolytes to replace what’s lost during practice and games. “Nutrition isn’t just about fueling for games—it’s about preventing injuries,” said Bengals team dietitian Sarah Johnson. “If a player is deficient in a nutrient like magnesium, they’re more likely to have muscle cramps. If they’re dehydrated, their reaction time slows down, increasing the risk of a fall or collision.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this nutritional focus is a team effort: the locker room has healthy snack options (like protein bars and fruit) available at all times, and veteran players often share their favorite recovery meals with rookies—like running back Joe Mixon’s go-to post-game dish of grilled chicken, quinoa, and roasted veggies. This shared commitment to nutrition has helped keep the team’s energy levels high and injury rates low, even as the season wears on.

Another critical tip shared among the Bengals is the importance of “listening to your body” and reporting small discomforts before they turn into major injuries. Early in the season, some players were hesitant to mention minor aches—worried about losing playing time—but the coaching staff and medical team have worked to shift that mindset, emphasizing that speaking up is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. “We tell our players: if something feels off, tell us right away,” said Bengals head athletic trainer Paul Sparling. “A small tweak today can become a season-ending injury tomorrow if you ignore it.” The team has implemented a daily check-in system, where players meet with trainers for 5-minute one-on-ones to report any pain or stiffness. This has led to early intervention for issues like minor knee soreness (treated with physical therapy) or elbow tightness (addressed with modified throwing routines), preventing them from worsening. Rookie linebacker Owen Pappoe credits this system with keeping him on the field: “I had a slight hamstring tweak in Week 12, and I told the trainers right away. They adjusted my practice reps and gave me stretches, and it never turned into a full strain. That’s a lesson I’ll carry with me throughout my career.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this focus on early detection has been a game-changer, allowing them to address issues before they sideline key players—critical during a playoff push where every roster spot matters.

Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals concludes with the role of mental health in preventing injuries, a tip that’s gained more attention in recent seasons. The Bengals’ sports psychologists work with players to manage stress and anxiety, explaining that mental fatigue can lead to physical mistakes—like missed tackles or slow reactions—that increase injury risk. Players are taught mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing and visualization, to stay focused during games and reduce the chance of reckless plays. “Mental health and physical health are connected,” said Bengals sports psychologist Dr. Emily Carter. “If a player is stressed about a personal issue or feeling pressure to perform, they might not be fully present on the field. That’s when injuries happen.” The team also encourages players to take time for themselves—whether it’s spending time with family, reading, or pursuing hobbies—to avoid burnout. This holistic approach to injury prevention has resonated with players, including Burrow, who has spoken publicly about using mindfulness to stay calm under pressure. “When you’re mentally focused, you make smarter decisions on the field,” Burrow said. “You don’t take unnecessary risks, and you’re more aware of your body’s limits. That’s how you stay healthy.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, these injury prevention tips aren’t just a list of rules—they’re a culture of care, where every player looks out for themselves and their teammates. As they head into the final week of the regular season, this commitment to health has put them in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot—and maybe even a Super Bowl title. In the end, Injury Prevention Tips Shared Among the Cincinnati Bengals is a story of preparation and teamwork—proving that staying healthy is just as much a team effort as winning games.