Cincinnati Bengals could have Leon Hall back to face Stevie Johnson

Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) congratulates Leon Hall (29) after Hall returns an interception for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) congratulates Leon Hall (29) after Hall returns an interception for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) congratulates Leon Hall (29) after Hall returns an interception for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) congratulates Leon Hall (29) after Hall returns an interception for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

It’s amazing to think the Bengals were able to hold the New England Patriots to just six points while preventing Tom Brady from throwing a touchdown for the first time in 52 games. Making this an even more impressive feat was they did it without Leon Hall, who prior to the injury, was playing like one of the two or three best cornerbacks in the NFL.

Getting him back would be nice this week, and according to head coach Marvin Lewis, that looks like it will happen against the Buffalo Bills:


His return is much-needed, as he’ll face Bills slot receiver Stevie Johnson a lot. Both players operate most effectively when in the slot, and it will be a nice battle to watch this week, assuming new Bills quarterback Thad Lewis can consistently throw him the ball.