The Bengals will not have their highest-paid cornerback available against the Chiefs on Sunday. Trae Waynes is now on Cincinnati’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
This will mark yet another absence for Waynes, who has struggled to stay on the field since signing a big-ticket contract with the Bengals last year. Waynes missed all of last season because of a torn pectoral muscle and was down nearly three months this year due to a hamstring injury.
The former first-round pick has played in just four games since signing a three-year, $42MM deal with the Bengals in March 2020. Waynes returned from injury in Week 15 and started against the Broncos. However, Eli Apple started over him against the Ravens, with Chidobe Awuzie back after missing the Denver trip due to a positive coronavirus test. Waynes is due to count $16MM against the Bengals’ cap in 2022.
Wide receiver Trenton Irwin also landed on Cincinnati’s COVID list. Other than this Friday news, the Bengals are fairly healthy going into their matchup against the Chiefs. Backup quarterback Brandon Allen resides on the team’s virus list but has a chance to clear protocols by Sunday.
RIP
As has been said- A player’s best ability is availability. Unfortunately he has contributed exactly nothing to the team over the past 2 seasons. He’ll be very easy to replace. Both in ability and salary cap.