Bengals place two starters on physically unable to perform list

The Bengals announced three additions to their physically unable to perform list on Sunday.

Two starters, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and right tackle La'el Collins, were placed on Cincinnati's PUP list along with backup offensive tackle Devin Cochran.

The addition of Collins doesn't come as a surprise as the 29-year-old tore his ACL and MCL late last season. In April, he did tell reporters there's "no doubt about it" he's ahead of schedule from recovery but a clear timeline is still unknown.

Collins' injury has made things interesting for the Bengals this offseason after the team signed left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency. Offensive tackle Jonah Williams requested a trade following the deal but has since agreed to return to Cincinnati and move to right tackle.

Awuzie on the other hand may bring some cause for concern. The 28-year-old missed the final nine weeks of the regular season and the postseason with a torn ACL. However, reports this spring said he was on track to be ready for the season opener.

It certainly isn't the start to the season Awuzie was hoping for, entering a contract year after signing a three-year, $21.75M contract in 2021. The six-year veteran could be a goner if his third year with the Bengals turns out similarly to his first two injury-riddled seasons.

The good news is it's still very early. So, both players could still battle back from their injuries before the start of the 2023 season. Cincinnati is surely hopeful they will.