The Bengals Already Have Two Strikes Against Them on the First Day of Camp

It's failing before it starts.  The hope of a younger and better defense for the Cincinnati Bengals has already taken a hit.  Bengals.com is reporting that Antwan Odom, the newly signed free agent defensive end, may have been seriously injured this morning in the Bengals first practice of training camp.

The story reports that Odom was seen on crutches leaving the Georgetown training complex, with his left foot wrapped in ice and in a boot.  Marvin Lewis did not report an injury, but simply stated that he was leaving for testing. 

          Antwan, the Bengals' only major free agent signing of the offseason came over from Tennessee after having an eight sack season this last year.  He is only 26 and was suppose to help drastically improve the Bengals poor pass rush, and overall defense. 

          The Bengals lost two of their better defenders this offseason, DE Justin Smith to the 49ers and safety Madeiu Williams to the Vikings, but were hoping to turn things around with the signing of Odom and a slew of young players, including first round pick Keith Rivers. 

          Rivers did not report to camp today, because he is one of the three first round picks still not signed, along with #7 Sedrick Ellis, and #8 Derrick Harvey.  Even though Rivers it not expected to hold out long, any time you are installing a new defense with a new coordinator and your number one pick is not there to learn it, that is the last thing that you want.

So count it, the Bengals are not through the first day of training camp and they already have two strikes against them, and we all know what happens when you get to three!

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?