Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals

NFL training camp is a critical time for teams to build chemistry, refine schemes, and prepare for the season—but it’s also a period when injury risks rise as players ramp up intensity. For the Cincinnati Bengals, coming off a playoff run that saw key players battle injuries, addressing injury concerns has been a top priority in this year’s camp. The team’s coaching and medical staff have collaborated to implement targeted changes: from modified practice schedules to advanced monitoring tools, all designed to reduce risk while keeping players ready for the regular season. These efforts aren’t just about avoiding short-term setbacks; they’re about protecting the Bengals’ long-term playoff aspirations by keeping their core talent healthy. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals explores the specific steps the team has taken, how they’ve adapted to player needs, and why this proactive approach is critical for their success.

The Bengals’ first line of defense against camp injuries has been revising practice structure to balance intensity with recovery—avoiding the “all-out” sessions that often lead to overuse injuries. Instead of back-to-back full-pad practices, the staff has implemented a “rotate-and-rest” schedule: one day of full contact, followed by a day of light walkthroughs or non-pad drills, then a day focused on recovery (yoga, swimming, or strength training with low impact). This rhythm gives players’ bodies time to heal between high-intensity sessions, reducing the risk of strains or muscle fatigue. For example, quarterbacks and skill players—who rely on quick cuts and explosive movements—spend two additional hours per week on “mobility work” to loosen hips, knees, and ankles, areas prone to camp injuries. Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized, “We need players on the field in September, not just August. Practicing smart means knowing when to push and when to pull back.” Early results have been promising: through the first three weeks of camp, the Bengals have reported just two minor injuries (a hamstring strain and an ankle sprain), both to backup players, compared to five injuries to key contributors at the same point last year. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals notes that this structured approach has also kept players mentally fresh, reducing the fatigue that can lead to costly mistakes on the field.

Another key step in addressing injury concerns has been expanding the use of wearable technology to track player exertion and flag early signs of risk. Every Bengals player now wears a GPS tracker and a biometric patch during practices, which collect data on metrics like heart rate, acceleration, and muscle load. This data is fed in real time to the medical staff, who use it to identify players at risk of overexertion. For instance, if a player’s muscle load exceeds 85% of their maximum threshold for two consecutive days, the staff adjusts their reps or pulls them from drill work to prevent strain. The team has also added a “recovery app” that players use to log sleep quality, soreness levels, and nutrition intake—all factors that impact injury risk. Medical director Dr. Marc Galloway explained, “We’re no longer waiting for players to report pain. The data tells us when their bodies are stressed, so we can intervene early.” This technology has been especially helpful for players coming off injuries, like defensive end Trey Hendrickson (who had knee surgery in the offseason). The staff used his tracker data to gradually increase his practice reps, ensuring he built strength without reaggravating the knee. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that this data-driven approach has turned injury prevention from guesswork into a science, giving the Bengals a competitive edge in keeping their roster healthy.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, addressing injury concerns has also meant prioritizing position-specific drills that target weak points and build resilience in high-risk areas. Offensive linemen, who face constant physical contact, spend extra time on “technique drills” to improve their stance and blocking form—reducing the stress on shoulders and knees that comes from poor mechanics. Defensive backs, who often suffer from ankle or hamstring injuries due to sudden direction changes, do daily “agility circuits” that focus on controlled cuts and landings to strengthen those muscles. Even special teams players, who are prone to “sudden impact” injuries (like concussions from kickoff collisions), have added “tackle technique” sessions to learn how to bring down opponents safely. For example, rookie kick returner Chase Brown—who missed time in college with an ankle injury—has worked with special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons to refine his return style, using shorter strides to reduce the risk of rolling an ankle. “Position-specific work doesn’t just make players better—it makes them safer,” Simmons said. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this focus on technique has two benefits: it reduces injury risk and improves on-field performance, creating a win-win for the team. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals explores how these targeted drills have become a staple of camp, ensuring every player is prepared to stay healthy in their specific role.

The Cincinnati Bengals have also addressed injury concerns by strengthening depth at key positions—ensuring they have capable backups if starters go down, while also reducing the need for starters to take excessive reps in camp. This offseason, the team signed veteran backups at critical spots: a third-string quarterback (to lighten Joe Burrow’s camp load), two additional offensive linemen, and a reserve safety. During camp, these backups have taken on 40% of the reps in team drills, allowing starters like Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to sit out some sessions without disrupting the team’s preparation. For example, Burrow now only participates in half of the team’s full-pad drills, with backup Jake Browning handling the rest—reducing Burrow’s exposure to potential hits. General manager Eric DeCosta explained, “Depth isn’t just a luxury; it’s an injury-prevention tool. When starters don’t have to play every rep, they’re less likely to get hurt.” This strategy has also helped develop young backups, like second-year offensive lineman Cordell Volson, who has used his increased reps to refine his skills. For the Cincinnati Bengals, building depth means they’re not just protecting starters in camp—they’re also creating a more resilient roster for the regular season. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals notes that this proactive roster building has been a key part of the team’s injury plan, ensuring no single injury derails their season.

Finally, the Bengals have addressed injury concerns in camp by doubling down on player education—ensuring every athlete understands how to take ownership of their health, from proper nutrition to recognizing early injury signs. The medical staff hosts weekly “injury prevention workshops” where players learn about topics like hydration (critical for avoiding muscle cramps in camp heat), sleep hygiene (essential for tissue repair), and how to distinguish between “normal soreness” and “injury pain.” They also provide each player with a personalized “health checklist” to track daily soreness, range of motion, and energy levels—encouraging players to report even minor issues before they escalate. Linebacker Logan Wilson, who missed three games last season with a shoulder injury, said, “Last year, I ignored a small tweak until it became a big problem. This year, I’m reporting everything—and the staff is fixing it before it gets worse.” This culture of transparency has made a difference: players are now more likely to speak up about discomfort, allowing the medical staff to address issues early. For the Cincinnati Bengals, player education is the final piece of the injury-prevention puzzle—it turns the staff’s efforts into a team-wide commitment, where everyone is invested in staying healthy. Injury Concerns Addressed in Camp by the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that these combined efforts—structured practices, technology, position drills, depth building, and education—have turned this year’s camp into a model for injury prevention. As the Bengals head into the regular season, they’re not just prepared to compete—they’re prepared to stay healthy while doing it.