The Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) will be without their top cornerback, Chidobe Awuzie, against the Denver Broncos (7-6) on Sunday. They'll also likely be starting reserve offensive lineman Fred Johnson at right tackle in place of Riley Reiff.
Awuzie was placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday and head coach Zac Taylor said he will be unavailable to play this weekend.
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From a depth standpoint, the Bengals are in good shape at cornerback to replace Awuzie.
Veteran Trae Waynes will likely be activated off injured reserve to the active roster and practiced the last two weeks. Waynes missed all of the 2020 season and majority of this year with various injuries.
Awuzie and Waynes were projected to be the Bengals' starting cornerbacks at the start of the season before Eli Apple stepped in to replace Waynes.
More:How can the Cincinnati Bengals overcome injuries at cornerback?
Losing Awuzie is a tough blow for Cincinnati's defense as he's been the Bengals' best player in coverage this season.
Johnson is likely to start at right tackle because backup tackle Isaiah Prince missed practice all week due to an illness.
Head coach Zac Taylor said if Prince is able to play, he'll be in a backup role. Johnson has played in two games this season. Cincinnati signed Johnson in 2019 and since then he's started two games at right guard in 2020, along with one at right tackle and three at left tackle.
The Bengals are set to take on the Broncos on Dec. 17 at 4:05 ET.
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