A new rule placed into action only weeks ago has already impacted the Cincinnati Bengals and their injured center Kyle Cook.
Cook, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the third preseason game against Green Bay, is expected to be out an extended amount of time this season, but the team believes he could come back later in the year. Rather than be forced to hold Cook on the 53-man roster the majority of the season and take up a roster spot, Cincinnati placed Cook on IR/designated for return on Tuesday.
This is the first year for the rule and now the Bengals won't be forced to play short while Cook endures an extensive rehab. How long Cook will be out is not yet known, but he will be eligible to return to practice in Week 7 and to the game in Week 9. Once Cincinnati activates him into practice, he has three weeks to return to the active roster.
The rule allows only one player to fill the designated to return status each year.
Cook fits the amendment perfectly. He's started 50 games in a row for the Bengals, the second-longest streak on the team. When he returns he'll be a vital addition at the middle of the offensive line. Veteran Jeff Faine will hold the spot until Cook returns.
Finding a place to store Cook's roster spot allowed the Bengals to pick up 2009 Denver second-round pick TE Richard Quinn (6-4, 264) to add depth as a fourth tight end. The blocking tight end played with Washington this preseason. When TE Jermaine Gresham missed the final two preseason games with a knee injury, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden bemoaned a significant falloff in the running game partially due to the absence of Gresham's blocking ability. Should Gresham go down, Quinn allows insurance so fourth-round pick TE Orson Charles wouldn't be forced into action.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.
