2 min read • September 17, 2022
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Both of the defending division winners started out the season with disappointing losses, but only one of the Bengals and Cowboys suffered significant injuries.
The Cowboys, listed as 7.5-point underdogs at home, will begin life without quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 2, turning to Cooper Rush while the incumbent starter recovers from a fractured right hand.
In a replacement start in Week 8 last season, Rush threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns and three different Cowboys’ receivers – led by CeeDee Lamb – had 80-or-more receiving yards.
Even if Prescott was playing, the Cowboys’ offense would face an uphill battle, grading out with an SIC score of 69.1, the second-lowest of the week.
The contest has a projected over/under of 41.5 on Fan Duel Sportsbook, tied for the third-lowest in Week 2.
The slim-pickens offense will trudge forward with two backups at left tackle and left guard, replacing the injured Tyron Smith and Connor McGovern.
Starting wide receivers Michael Gallup and James Washington are each out once again, pushing rookies Noah Brown, Jalen Tolbert, and Dennis Houston into the fold.
On the other side of the ball, starting safety Jayron Kearse and pass-rusher Tarell Basham have been ruled out.
The Bengals, favored by 7.5 points on the road, were without star wideout Tee Higgins for much of the fourth quarter and overtime in Week 1 after he suffered a concussion
The pro-bowler was a full participant at practice on Friday, a good indication that he will be cleared and available for Sunday’s contest to rejoin Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Hayden Hurst.
Cincinnati’s biggest injury concern is at long-snapper after veteran starter Clark Harris suffered a biceps injury and went to IR.
Evan McPherson missed an extra point and what would have been the game-winning field goal in overtime after Harris went down because of imperfect snaps.
The team addressed the issue, picking up undrafted rookie and 2021 NCAA McCaulley Award winner Cal Adomitis earlier this week.
Cincinnati is favored by 7.5 at home against the Cowboys and the over/under is 41.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Bengals are +270 to win the AFC North, while the Cowboys are +650 to win the NFC East.
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