Mixon Injured on Hip-Drop Tackle, Not Serious
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon left Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter after suffering a hip injury on a hip-drop tackle. The injury appeared serious at the time, but initial reports suggest that it is not a major concern.
The Injury:
Mixon was injured on a running play in the second quarter when Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen hit him low with a hip-drop tackle. The impact was significant, and Mixon immediately grabbed his hip in pain. He was taken to the locker room for further evaluation and did not return to the game.
Initial Reports:
Initial reports from the Bengals' medical staff indicate that Mixon's injury is not considered serious. While the exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed, there are no signs of a structural issue like a fracture or dislocation. It appears to be a soft tissue injury that could be resolved with proper rest and treatment.
Next Steps:
The Bengals are expected to provide a more detailed update on Mixon's condition later this week. It is unclear how long he will be sidelined, but the initial reports suggest that he should be able to return to the field in the coming weeks.
Impact on the Bengals:
Mixon's absence is a significant loss for the Bengals, who rely heavily on his rushing ability. However, with the injury not considered serious, his absence shouldn't be a long-term problem. The Bengals have a bye week following their game against the Ravens, which will give Mixon valuable time to recover.
Backup Running Backs:
In Mixon's absence, the Bengals will likely turn to a combination of Samaje Perine and Chris Evans to carry the load in the running game. While they are not the same caliber of player as Mixon, they are capable backups with experience.
Conclusion:
While the injury to Joe Mixon was concerning, the initial reports suggest that it is not serious. The Bengals are expected to provide more information on his condition soon. With a bye week on the horizon, Mixon should have ample time to recover and return to the field for the Bengals in the coming weeks.
