The Cincinnati Bengals placed rookie guard Jackson Carman and backup running back Samaje Perine on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday. This news means the team could end up starting their third-string option at right guard if Carman is unable to pass two negative tests 24 hours apart if he's asymptomatic.
If Carman is unable to play when the Bengals travel to Detroit to take on the Lions on Sunday, head coach Zac Taylor says rookie D'Ante Smith will get the start. Smith, Cincinnati's fourth-round pick this year, spent his career at East Carolina playing tackle.
Smith impressed several Bengals coaches during training camp and his ability to adjust on the fly to playing a new position is something the team is pleased about. Smith starting is a result of Cincinnati being without Carman and veteran guard Xavier Su'a-Filo who opened the season as the starter.
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Su'a-Filo suffered a knee injury in the Bengals' Week 2 loss to the Chicago Bears was was placed on injured reserve prior to the Week 5 game against the Green Bay Packers. The team placing Su'a-Filo on injured reserve means he'll miss at least two more games.
Perine being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list is also noteworthy because starting running back Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury and was limited against the Packers. It was Perine who led the team in rushing in the 25-22 loss to Green Bay with 59 yards on 11 carries.
What is NFL protocol for vaccinated players who test positive?
Per the NFL protocol, vaccinated players who test positive are permitted to return to duty after two negative tests at least 24-hours apart. After that, they will be tested every week or as directed by the medical staffs. Vaccinated players are not subject to quarantine as a result of close contact with an infected person.
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