Getty CINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 04: Devin Cochran #76 and Amarius Mims #71 of the Cincinnati Bengals participate in a drill during an OTA offseason workout at the Kettering Health Bengals Practice Fields on June 04, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals received a promising sight at training camp on Sunday as Amarius Mims returned to the practice field.
After missing multiple sessions because of a lingering right hand injury, the 2024 first-round selection was back in full pads and participating in offensive line drills.
At various points last week, he was seen with extra tape and eventually a soft cast on his right hand. He did not take part in full practices Thursday or Saturday, but his return on Sunday was seen as a step in the right direction.
“I’m working through it,” Mims said after practice, per Jay Morrison of SI.com. “It’s feeling better. It’s about believing in the coaches and trusting the training staff. I’m going to go out there and give it my all every time I’m out there.”
Mims Fighting Through Injury to Lock Down Starting Job
Mims, a standout tackle from Georgia, was selected 18th overall by the Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft. Injuries, however, have followed him since the second half of last season. He played through a broken hand late in the year and also dealt with an ankle injury earlier in his rookie campaign.
Despite those setbacks, the Bengals have high expectations for Mims to be their long-term solution at right tackle. He logged action in 15 games as a rookie, including a surprise late appearance in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coaches noted that he was only expected to serve as an emergency option in that game due to the hand issue.
Sunday’s session marked the first time Mims participated in positional drills since returning in a limited capacity. Offensive line coach Scott Peters had previously said that the team was adjusting Mims’ cast and managing his workload carefully.
“I think he just banged his hand up a little bit,” Peters said. “He’ll be all right.”
Bengals Hope to See Mims in Preseason Opener
Mims is still wearing the protective cast, but he appeared active and engaged during the session. He didn’t finish Sunday’s practice, but that was planned, according to the team.
“This isn’t something new,” Mims added. “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve been fighting through something. It’s just part of the game. I’ve got one job: protect No. 9. That’s what I’m going to do.”
The Bengals are hoping Mims will be available for their preseason opener Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Peters emphasized that while the team won’t rush him, having Mims play in preseason action — even briefly — would be a positive development.
“Your capacity is bigger than you think,” Peters said of Mims. “We want him with us every game. That’s part of being a pro. We need him to press and grow.”
Mims, for his part, welcomes the challenge.
“It’s a game of physical violence,” Mims said. “I’m going to be in pain every day I play football. I just have to fight through it for the team and do what I can to help us win.”
His return to drills Sunday may have been a small step, but it was a clear one forward — and for the Bengals, that’s a win in itself.
