In a practice session with the Bears, the Cincinnati Bengals faced a devastating blow as two of their key players, offensive tackle Alex Smith and running back Chris Evans, have both suffered torn patellar tendons. This unfortunate turn of events means that both players will miss the entire 2024 season.

The injuries occurred just 10 minutes apart, adding to the shock and disappointment felt by the Bengals coaching staff and fans. Smith, who has been with the team for four seasons, has had a tumultuous journey, as he has only managed to participate in three regular-season games due to various setbacks.

Evans, a promising young talent in the Bengals' backfield, suffered the same injury during a kickoff return. His absence will further undermine the team's offensive capabilities, adding to the current challenges faced by Cincinnati.

The loss of Smith comes at a particularly difficult time for the Bengals, as it coincides with first-round rookie Amarius Mims also missing playing time due to a strained pectoral muscle. This unfortunate sequence of events has suddenly left the team with a significant lack of depth at the offensive tackle position, a situation that was not initially anticipated.

The Bengals will now need to reassess and strategize to fill the void left by these season-ending injuries. The coaching staff will have to explore alternative options and potential roster adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive throughout the upcoming season.

As the Bengals prepare for their 2024 campaign, the focus shifts towards finding suitable replacements for Smith and Evans. The depth at offensive tackle was considered a strength for Cincinnati, but now it has become an unexpected challenge that needs to be addressed promptly.

It remains to be seen how the Bengals will navigate through this setback and adapt to the circumstances. The injuries to Smith and Evans present a significant hurdle for the team, but with determination and resourcefulness, they will strive to overcome these obstacles and achieve success in the upcoming season.