Murphy suffered a knee sprain in late August and was laced on injured reserve to open the season. The second-year defender totaled 20 tackles, three TFLs, and three sacks in 17 games last season and is expected to take a big step this season. The Bengals defense has struggled out of the gate this season, allowing the sixth-most points and the fourth-most passing touchdowns on their way to a 1-3 start. The return of Murphy, which could still be a few weeks away, should help bolster a unit that also has the second-fewest sacks (5) of any team in the league.

The Bengals selected Murphy with the No. 28 overall pick in last year’s draft. The second-year lineman totaled 20 tackles and three sacks in 17 games last season and is expected to make a leap in his second season as a pro. Now, it sounds like Murphy is at risk of missing the first month of the season with this injury. According to Fowler, the Bengals “will be conservative” with Murphy to ensure he can be a “full go” once he returns.

Murphy ran an explosive 4.53 40-yard dash in this year's combine and boasts a 9.71 RAS. The former Clemson Tiger totaled 18.5 sacks and 36 TFLs for his career and was an early declare after three collegiate seasons. His arrival is a welcomed addition to a Bengals team that has steadily improved on the defensive side of the ball over the last two seasons but ranked 29th in total sacks last season. Murphy and EDGE Trey Hendrickson could quickly form one of the league's more lethal pass-rushing duos this upcoming season.