Cincinnati Bengals fans are justifiably scared of what the 2025 defense will look like. Last season’s unit kept Joe Burrow – at his best – out of the playoffs, and defensive coordinator turnover can be as much about taking time to gel as it is about addition by subtraction.

There are still holes on this defense, despite significant investments at linebacker over the offseason. The looming threat of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson eventually leaving doesn’t ease one’s nerves, either.

The Bengals’ defense is still in flux, and it can spoil yet another campaign. Cincinnati worked to rectify the unit in free agency, adding a crop of veterans that includes the return of defensive tackle B.J. Hill.

Unfortunately, eyebrows were raised again when the Bengals received a surprise injury at the start of Phase 2 offseason workouts. According to Paul Dehner Jr., Hill was in a walking boot at the voluntary workout, an unforeseen injury with unknown implications.

“Dax Hill (ACL) and Cole Burgess are on the rehab field,” Paul Dehner Jr. wrote.

“BJ Hill is here but his left leg is in a walking boot. He did not have that in open locker room last week.”

Hill signed with Cincinnati early in free agency on a three-year, $33 million deal. He’s not the kind of blue-chip vacancy that could threaten a season (like fears of a Hendrickson absence), but with a strong presence against the run and an adequate ability to push the pocket, Hill can make plays on every down.

He logged three sacks in 2024 and 16 over his first four seasons in Cincinnati.

Without additional updates, it would be an overreaction to suggest that Hill will miss time, or that the injury is particularly severe.

Fortunately, even in the worst-case scenario for Hill, the Bengals have enough to stay afloat on the interior, even if a fully-healthy unit lacks upside. With recent signing T.J. Slaton Jr., the line is more fortified. Cincinnati will be looking for more from second-round tackle Kris Jenkins Jr., and first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart can moonlight inside on passing downs.

Until there are reports of Hill’s injury being severe, there’s no reason to panic. Cincinnati’s defense will define the team’s fate, but that’s true regardless of whether Hill celebrated Cinco de Mayo in a walking boot.