The Bengals’ secondary was already shorthanded heading into Week 11, and the unit was dealt another blow last night. Cornerback DJ Turner exited the game after a pass breakup, and he may not return in 2024.
The team fears Turner suffered a fractured clavicle, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A second opinion is being sought out, but a confirmation of that injury would require season-ending surgery. In any event, a lengthy absence should be expected for one of Cincinnati’s starting cover men.
The Bengals lost Dax Hill to an ACL tear last month, ending his first campaign as a perimeter corner. That injury left the team’s secondary increasingly reliant on other options, including Turner. The 2023 second-rounder made 12 starts as a rookie, posting eight pass deflections and 50 tackles. Turner surrendered four touchdowns as the nearest defender and allowed an opposing passer rating of 111.6, however, leaving plenty of room for improvement in coverage.
2024 did see a step forward in both areas, an encouraging sign for Turner’s long-term outlook in Cincinnati. For the time being, however, the 24-year-old will need to turn his attention to recovery in anticipation of a return to the lineup no earlier than Week 1 of the 2025 campaign. Cincinnati has Cam Taylor-Britt and Josh Newton set to handle starting duties on the outside at corner moving forward with veteran Mike Hilton in place as the top slot option.
Defense has been a sore spot throughout the year for the Bengals, a team which sits at 4-7 despite their league-leading passing attack. Cincinnati ranks 23rd against the pass, and the loss of Hill and now Turner will make it increasingly challenging to improve in that department. Without finding a way to do so, a postseason berth will not be feasible.
Turner has two years remaining on his rookie pact. The Michigan product’s long-term health will be a key concern on the team’s part as another contingency plan is sought out at the CB position.