Mixon Ankle Injury: MRI Results Pending, Bengals Fans Hold Their Breath
The Cincinnati Bengals are holding their breath as they await the results of an MRI on running back Joe Mixon's ankle injury. The star back left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter, and his status for the rest of the season is now uncertain.
What Happened?
Mixon went down awkwardly after being tackled by Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. He immediately grabbed his ankle and was clearly in pain. The injury seemed serious enough for the Bengals to rule him out for the rest of the game.
The Injury and Potential Timeline
While the severity of Mixon's ankle injury remains unknown until the MRI results are available, there's a growing concern that it could be a high ankle sprain, a notoriously difficult injury to recover from. This type of injury can keep players sidelined for weeks, even months.
Impact on the Bengals
Mixon's absence would be a major blow to the Bengals. He's arguably their most important offensive weapon, and his ability to run both inside and outside the tackles has been a critical part of their success. If he misses significant time, it would place a heavy burden on the rest of the offense, particularly young quarterback Joe Burrow, who is still trying to find his footing in his second season.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. They'll likely rely heavily on Samaje Perine, who has stepped in admirably for Mixon in the past, as well as rookie running back Chris Evans. The team might also consider exploring the trade market for a veteran running back to provide depth and experience.
The Waiting Game
The Bengals, and their fans, are now in a holding pattern as they await the MRI results. Hopefully, the news is good, and Mixon's injury isn't as severe as feared. But if the diagnosis is more serious, it could have a significant impact on the Bengals' chances of making a deep playoff run.
