Cincinnati Football: Injuries Continue Piling Up for Bearcats

For a team that has been through as many injuries as imaginable in the first month of the season, the Cincinnati Bearcats suffered another key injury this week when cornerback Dominique Battle tore a ligament in his knee and will be lost for the season.

Battle is the Bearcats best cover corner and is in his second year in the starting role. His absence will certainly be felt for a team that is not deep at any position, particularly in the secondary.

Battle isn't the first Cincinnati starter to be lost for the season. Star wide receiver Vidal Hazelton has already been lost with a torn ACL.

The Bearcat offense has already had to suffer through the loss of tight end Ben Guidugli to a sprained ankle last week, although he is expected back in the coming weeks.  

Offensive lineman Alex Hoffman has been in and out of the lineup with injuries and wide receiver D.J. Woods is questionable for next weeks game against Miami (OH). 

Safety Drew Frey has also missed a considerable amount of action with a head injury. 

For a team that has talent, but not much depth heading into the season, Cincinnati has been severely tested. 

Running back Isaiah Pead returned last week after missing two games and is the one player who single-handedly balances out the Bearcat offense. 

Despite all the injuries, things seem to be coming along for Cincinnati as the offensive line has improved over the past few weeks. 

Big East play is set to begin after one more non conference tune up and despite everything that has happened in recent weeks, Cincinnati can start the season anew. 

While they will never be completely healthy, they may be in good enough shape to compete for a third consecutive Big East crown. 

At this point winning a third straight Big East championship amidst everything that has happened in the first month of the season may be a bigger accomplishment than anything this team has accomplished in their previous two seasons.