Joseph Ossai had a solid preseason debut, with five quarterback pressures as well as a sack of quarterback Tom Brady. Unfortunately for Ossai and the Bengals, that may be the final game for the rookie linebacker plays in 2021. Ossai is slated to undergo knee surgery for a meniscus injury that is feared to be season-ending, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ossai felt the injury during the Bengals' preseason win over the Buccaneers.
With Ossai on the mend, the Bengals are signing edge rusher Noah Spence, according to Pelissero. A 2016 second-round pick, Spence spent his first three seasons in Tampa before spending the 2019 season in Washington. Spence had signed with the Saints before missing the entire 2020 season with a torn ACL. The Saints released him last week.
Ossai's loss is a big blow for a Bengals defense that allowed just 36 combined points in their first two preseason games. The Bengals have high hopes for Ossai, who had 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 15.5 tackles for loss in nine games at the University of Texas in 2020.
"I just know we got to get back to work." A HUGE debut & a sack of Tom Brady won't stop @joseph_ossai from the goal. 😤@Geico | #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/986E6cCJMC
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 15, 2021
"He's relentless," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said after selecting Ossai with the 69th overall pick. "He really brings a nice physical presence, has great burst off the edge. I really like what he brings to the table."
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