The Cincinnati Bengals have activated Myles Murphy and McKinnley Jackson from injured reserve, providing crucial reinforcements for their defensive line ahead of a key AFC North showdown with the Ravens on Sunday. In a corresponding move, the team waived 2022 third-round pick Zach Carter, who started two games and appeared in all four contests for the Bengals this season.
Murphy and Jackson, both sidelined by knee injuries in the preseason, return at a pivotal moment for Cincinnati. Murphy was designated for return earlier, while Jackson’s activation leaves the Bengals with five remaining IR activations for the rest of the season, under the NFL’s new rules. The Bengals’ defense has struggled, allowing 145.5 rushing yards per game and ranking among the bottom 10 in the NFL for both rush efficiency and pressure rate. Murphy will strengthen the defensive end rotation, which has heavily relied on Trey Hendrickson, while Jackson will provide depth to a banged-up defensive tackle group still missing Sheldon Rankins.
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Despite being listed as questionable for Week 5, Murphy and Jackson’s activations suggest they’ll be ready to play against Baltimore’s explosive rushing offense, which has tallied 545 yards and five touchdowns in the past two games. Murphy, a former first-round pick, played all 17 games for the Bengals last season, recording three sacks. Jackson, a rookie third-rounder from Texas A&M, is set to make his NFL debut.
The Bengals are in need of a strong performance to contain Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ running attack, especially after starting the season 1-3 and falling to last place in the AFC North. Carter, who was waived to make room for the returning duo, struggled this season with just two quarterback pressures and a 44.3 overall defensive grade, per Pro Football Focus. His release signals the team’s hope that Murphy and Jackson will bring more consistency and impact to a defense looking to turn things around.
