Bengals CB Trae Waynes facing substantial injury setback

Free-agent signee Trae Waynes is looking for a second opinion after a pectoral injury. 

Per NFL Network writer Tom Pelissero, Trae Waynes is looking for a second opinion for a pectoral injury that could keep him out of action for at least two months. This comes after Waynes signed a three-year, $42 million contract.

Before his arrival in Cincinnati, Waynes spent the first five years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings who drafted him in the first round — 11th overall — from Michigan State University. There was an initial issue with Waynes signing his contract due to COVID-19.

Because of the delay in signing his contract he did not work out “full bore” at the advice of his agent. It is unknown if this contributed to the current pectoral injury.

Losing Waynes would be a big blow to the Bengals secondary

Second-year head coach Zac Taylor had high praise for Waynes when he was signed. Back in April Taylor praised his toughness, football IQ, ability as a tackler, and his ability to transition philosophies from Minnesota to Cincinnati.

Waynes has missed only four games during his NFL career playing at least 14 games in every game since he was drafted in 2015.

The injury is a huge setback for the Bengals as they look to rebuild with No. 1 overall draft pick Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow from LSU. The Bengals revamped their secondary with Waynes as the centerpiece.

If Waynes does miss two months, he could be headed to IR. That places the responsibility of being CB1 squarely on the shoulders of William Jackson III — Cincinnati’s own first-round draft pick. There will also be some additional shuffling of the secondary.

Darius Phillips could move into the starting lineup. Mackensie Alexander could move as well though he’s expected to start at the nickel corner. Zac Talyor’s press conference, set for this afternoon, should provide more clarity.