Bengals' roster is set to gets some needed reinforcements after dropping two games in a row, and more could come down the line

Four weeks of the NFL regular season have already gone by, which means players who started the season on the injured reserve with a designation for return, on the physically unable to perform list, or on the non-football injury list are already eligible to return to practice and games.

That means the now 2-2 Cincinnati Bengals, following their latest deflating loss, will be able to receive some reinforcements, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, as soon as this week.

Before players can officially return to the roster, Cincinnati must first designate them for return. Doing so triggers a 21-day practice window without counting towards the 53-man roster limit. The Bengals can then activate the players at any point during the 21 days.

Players who are eligible to return

S Daijahn Anthony (IR-DFR) — Anthony suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason finale, leading to his placement on IR at the start of the season. His injury wasn't expected to be a long-term one, so he should be cleared sooner rather than later.

DE Cedric Johnson (IR-DFR) — Johnson suffered a calf strain early on in training camp, which forced him to miss the entire preseason. He's now eligible to come back since he was placed on IR during final cuts, and with Shemar Stewart still recovering from an ankle injury, there's an opportunity for him to play immediately if he's ready to go.

Players who could return later

QB Joe Burrow (IR)— Burrow suffered turf toe in Week 2 and has a best-case return time of three months from his surgery. There's a chance he can play again sometime in December, but if the team isn't in the playoff race, he may be shelved for the rest of the season.

G Lucas Patrick (IR) — Patrick is recovering from a calf injury he suffered in Week 1. He was the first player the team placed on IR during the season, and he's eligible to return next week after he misses his fourth game.

Out for season

TE Erick All Jr. — This has been known for a while. All tore his ACL last November, the same one he tore during his final year of college at Iowa. The surgery to fully repair it will take double the amount of time a normal ACL tear would take, so he'll be back as early as next offseason.

G Cordell Volson — Volson suffered a shoulder injury before roster cuts and was placed on season-ending IR.