Bengals lose first-round pick William Jackson to concerning injury

The Cincinnati Bengals could be without their first-round pick being healthy for a second straight season.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Bengals cornerback William Jackson III, the 24th pick in the draft in April, suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

 

Cincinnati Bengals first-round corner William Jackson, left, suffered a torn pec (AP).

Jackson’s timetable is unknown. Depending on the severity of the tear — partial or full — that could result in an absence of anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, the latter of which clearly would put Jackson out for the start of the season and possibly all of it.

Last season, the Bengals drafted Texas A&M Cedric Ogbuehi, who was coming off a knee injury and did not play but has returned healthy this season.

Jackson left practice Monday night without 10 minutes to go in the session. he set a school record at Houston in 2015 with 23 passes broken up, had five interceptions (two returned for TDs) and was named Defensive MVP in he Cougars’ Peach Bowl victory over Florida State last season. A knee injury prevented him from playing in the Senior Bowl and performing in all the combine drills prior to the draft.

The good news is that the Bengals have depth at the position — Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick could be the starting corners, and 2014 first-rounder Darqueze Dennard now has a chance to live up to his draft status. The team also could re-sign Leon Hall, who is a free agent.

Jones was good last season prior to his playoff loss meltdown, but Kirkpatrick is entering a prove-it season. He recently spent time with Champ Bailey in order to improve his technique and recognition.