In a devastating blow to the Cincinnati Bengals, cornerback Dax Hill is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during Sunday’s 41-38 overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which dropped the Bengals to a dismal 1-4 record.
Hill, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2022, had made a successful transition from free safety to cornerback this season. Despite a rocky year for the Bengals’ pass defense last season, Hill earned the starting job in training camp and had been the team’s top outside cornerback through the first four games. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he had allowed a mere 7.2% completion rate over expectation as the nearest defender.
Coach Zac Taylor expressed his disappointment over the loss of Hill, saying, “It’s certainly heartbreaking, to work like he does, if it’s a bad deal.” Taylor praised Hill’s hard work and dedication, stating, “I thought Dax was playing really good football for us.”
With Hill out, DJ Turner, a second-round draft pick in 2023, is expected to take over as the starting cornerback. Turner will face the daunting task of shoring up a struggling Bengals defense that currently ranks 30th in points allowed per drive and 31st in defensive success rate, according to ESPN Research.
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