What happenend to Amarius Mims? Bengals rookie out for weeks after preseason debut

Rookie offensive tackle Amarius Mims was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He is expected to help bolster the Bengals' offensive line. The big 6'8", 340-pound tackle is expected to be a starter on the line this season, helping protect quarterback Joe Burrow.

However, with the Bengals opening their 2024 season against the New England Patriots on Sept. 8, Mims could miss the team's season-opener. He suffered a strain in his pectoral muscle in Saturday's pre-season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After the game, Mims complained of discomfort which led the team to find out on Monday that he will miss several weeks due to the injury. Coach Zac Taylor said he expects the rookie to make a full recovery from the injury.

"It's unfortunate that he'll miss several weeks but expect him to make a full recovery and be ready to roll."

Taylor said that it is unlikely that Mims will suit up for another pre-season game, but didn't rule out a Week 1 return.

Amarius Mims was a member of the Georgia Bulldogs from 2021-2023 and became a two-time national champion with the team.

While Amarius Mims is out with an injury, offensive tackle Trent Brown has returned

Trent Brown during New England Patriots v Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Getty

Free agent offensive tackle Trent Brown signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this off-season. Brown spent the last three seasons with the New England Patriots before becoming a free agent this off-season.

He was put on the injured list last month after being signed by the team. Last Sunday, on August 4, he was activated off the injured list.

Brown took the practice field for the first time on Monday with the Bengals, shortly after the team lost Mims to his injury. With the 31-year-old back and Mims sidelined for a few weeks, Brown should be on track to start at right tackle, with Orlando Brown Jr. serving as the team's left tackle.

The Bengals have emphasized protecting Joe Burrow and are being dealt problems on their O-line before the season even starts. They re-signed Cody Ford, added Brown in free agency, and added Amarius Mims with their first-round pick.