Gio Bernard: Bengals RB Likely Out on Sunday?

It’s been a rough season for the Cincinnati Bengals, but they’re still managing to stay alive at 5-3-1. They’ve had their share of injury struggles throughout the year, including RB Gio Bernard who has been dealing with a pesky hip injury.

According to NFL Network’s Albert Breer, Bernard will likely miss Week 11’s game against the New Orleans Saints with the same injury that has kept him sidelined in last week’s Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns. Here’s what Around the NFL writer Marc Sessler had to say:

"Giovani Bernard will probably remain on the Bengals sideline this Sunday. NFL Media’s Albert Breer reported Wednesday, per a Bengals source, that the second-year running back will almost certainly miss Week 11, aiming for a return against the Texans on Nov. 23."

Per Sessler, the team is looking at rookie Jeremy Hill out of LSU to continue to handle the workload while Bernard is recovering. The team also has Cedric Peerman on the depth chart behind Bernard and Hill.

Cincinnati will have to head into the game against the Saints dealing with some tough conditions. This is almost certainly looked at as a must-win for Andy Dalton, who is desperately looking to get back on track. He needs a huge game after having one of the worst QB performances in NFL history against the Browns. He has the weapons, but a steady balance of run and pass will be critical.

As for Hill, he’s had a bit of a rollercoaster season to date. He put up big numbers against the Jacksonville Jaguars to start the month, but has struggled to get a consistent attack going in his other matchups. Last week against Cleveland, he managed 55 yards on 12 carries without a score.

The Saints have surprised on run defense this season, cracking the top-five in the NFC in yards per game. They’re keeping opponents throwing the ball, something that might just work out well on Sunday.