The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that the season is officially over for Chris Evans and D’Ante Smith. On Monday, the team placed both players on injured reserve after they sustained patellar injuries during a recent practice session.
Additionally, the Bengals have waived defensive tackle Devonnsha Maxwell.
This development is a significant blow for Evans and Smith, who were both entering contract years after being drafted by the Bengals on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Instead of potentially securing a substantial contract in the 2025 offseason, they now face the prospect of signing one-year prove-it deals with minimal, if any, guaranteed money.
Maxwell, who signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of UT Chattanooga in 2023, also faces a tough situation. He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury sustained during training camp. Although he began this year’s camp on the PUP list, he was cleared to practice on August 12th.
The loss of Evans and Smith, combined with Maxwell’s release, represents a challenging period for the Bengals as they navigate these setbacks. Each of these players now faces uncertainty as they continue their football careers, hoping for opportunities to showcase their abilities and secure future contracts. Best of luck to all three as they move forward in their professional journeys.
