William Jackson III Injury: Updates on Bengals CB's Pectoral and Return

An expected key part of the Cincinnati Bengals secondary is on the mend, as rookie cornerback William Jackson III reportedly suffered a torn pectoral muscle Tuesday. It is unclear when he'll return to the field. 

Continue for updates.

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Lewis Comments on Jackson's Recovery Timeline

Thursday, Aug. 4 

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters Jackson would undergo surgery on his torn pectoral muscle, and he noted the corner could return this season.  

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Jackson Comments on Injury

Wednesday, Aug. 3

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Jackson's Injury Isn't Significant Blow to Bengals Secondary 

On the heels of a dominant senior campaign at Houston, Jackson rapidly climbed into the first-round conversation before the Bengals selected him with the No. 24 overall pick. He registered 43 tackles and five interceptions last season to go along with an FBS-high 23 passes defended for the Cougars.

That made him an attractive option for a Bengals team looking to shake things up and add depth to the secondary.

It can be argued the secondary is the weak link of the Bengals defense overall due to the team's strong front seven. But the unit is still solid at corner and should get by without Jackson, as he isn't yet entrenched.

Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick are in line to receive the bulk of the work as starters, while Darqueze Dennard and Josh Shaw should be the primary options in nickel and dime packages.

The offense will also have to pick up the slack, with quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A.J. Green and running back Jeremy Hill leading the way as the team tries to avoid a sixth consecutive first-round postseason exit.

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