T.J. Edwards' Tackle: Joe Mixon Injured, Bengals' Offense Suffers
The Cincinnati Bengals' playoff hopes took a hit in Week 14 as star running back Joe Mixon exited the game against the Cleveland Browns with a concussion after a hard tackle by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Mixon was on a roll, carrying the ball for 71 yards and a touchdown before the injury, and his absence was immediately felt. The Bengals' offense sputtered in the second half, struggling to find any consistency and ultimately falling to the Browns 23-10.
The tackle that led to Mixon's concussion was a textbook example of a hard-hitting, but legal, play. Edwards, known for his physicality and tackling prowess, met Mixon head-on, driving him backwards and causing the running back to lose his balance.
While the play itself was clean, the impact left Mixon visibly shaken. He left the game after a short evaluation on the sideline, and the Bengals announced he would be ruled out with a concussion.
The loss of Mixon is a major blow for the Bengals, who are already dealing with injuries on offense. Wide receiver Tee Higgins is still recovering from a hamstring injury, and quarterback Joe Burrow continues to play through a calf injury.
With Mixon likely to miss time, the Bengals will have to lean on backup running back Samaje Perine. Perine filled in admirably against the Browns, rushing for 46 yards and a touchdown, but he is unlikely to replicate Mixon's impact.
The question now is whether Mixon's concussion will be a short-term setback or a longer-term issue. His availability for Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains in doubt.
This injury is a stark reminder of the inherent danger of the game and the impact even a single play can have on a team's fortunes. The Bengals will need to regroup quickly and find ways to overcome the absence of their star running back if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
