DJ Turner Dodges Major Injury Just in Time for a Transatlantic Flight
Bengals cornerback DJ Turner avoided a serious heel injury and is day-to-day, giving him a chance to play in next week's international game against the Falcons in Madrid.
HotTakes Editorial TeamUpdated 2 min read
Finding live odds…
The NFL really looked at a guy with a bad heel and said, "Great news, you're cleared to sit on a transatlantic flight to Spain." According to Jordan Schultz, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner avoided a major injury on Sunday and is officially day-to-day.
Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed it is just a heel issue, meaning Turner actually has a shot to suit up next week when the Bengals play the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. Yes, Madrid. Because nothing heals a lower-body injury quite like nine hours in coach class.
"Considered day-to-day with a heel injury, according to HC Zac Taylor."
This is a massive exhale for a Cincinnati defense that is currently held together by athletic tape and pure vibes. The Bengals are sitting at 5-2 and second in the AFC North, but their secondary is already a walking triage unit. With safety Kyle Dugger out and Bryan Cook banged up, they simply do not have the bodies to survive losing their top cover guy.
Losing Turner would have been a disaster on multiple levels. He is quietly one of the best bargains in the sport right now. He is making just $3.6 million in the final year of his rookie deal after posting a 78.3 PFF coverage grade last season. For context, that is elite production for the price of a backup punter.
He is also the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0, famously telling Zac Taylor that former safety Jessie Bates had to walk so he could run. Right now, the Bengals just need him to jog.
Cincinnati opened as a 3-point favorite with a 51.5 over/under for the international showcase. They are coming off a chaotic 43-36 loss to the Tennessee Titans, which means they desperately need to fix their defensive leaks before the playoff race tightens up.
The good news for Turner is that the Falcons offense might be the perfect remedy for a bad foot. Atlanta is fresh off getting shut out 16-0 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Turner can just stand upright in Spain, he might be able to lock down his side of the field.
Key stats
Key statsBengals are 5-2 and 2nd in the AFC North
Turner posted a 78.3 PFF coverage grade last season
Cincinnati is a 3-point favorite against Atlanta with a 51.5 total
What's next
Turner will be monitored throughout the week to see if he can suit up against the Falcons in Madrid.
