New deal could mean playing-time boost

The Bengals are re-signing LB Germaine Pratt for three years at $21 million, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Pratt's playing time fluctuated a bit in 2022, his fourth season with the team. His 75.6% snap share across 15 regular-season games marked a career high and his third straight increase in that category. Pratt also played 83% or more of the snaps in each of the final five contests, including the three playoff contests. Cincinnati also significantly decreased Pratt's special-teams role in 2022. All of this points to Pratt potentially delivering more consistent IDP value in 2023. We boosted him up the dynasty rankings on this contract news.

Bengals LB Germaine Pratt is active for today's game against the Steelers. He missed Friday's practice with an illness that rendered him questionable, but Pratt should be ready for normal IDP usage.

Bengals LB Germaine Pratt is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers because of an illness that kept him out of Friday's practice. Players usually play through practice-week illnesses, but we'll watch for Pratt's status on Sunday. His absence would likely boost the role for No. 3 LB Akeem Davis-Gaither.

Bengals LB Germaine Pratt is active for tonight's game. A knee injury kept him out Sunday, but he finished this short week with 2 full practices. Pratt remains a low-level IDP option. His return should bring down the playing time for Akeem Davis-Gaither, who produced in Pratt's absence in Week 3.

Bengals LB Germaine Pratt (knee) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jets. That should mean more playing time for LB Akeem Davis-Gaither. From a 15% starting point in snap share, though, it's tough to know whether he'll climb into relevance for any beyond the deepest of leagues.

The Bengals on Wednesday placed LB Germaine Pratt on the COVID list. Even with the new league protocol, he's almost definitely out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, which is just 4 days away. LB Logan Wilson also remains doubtful with a shoulder injury, so the Bengals are likely looking at Markus Bailey leading the group in playing time against K.C. Bailey got his 1st start of the year last week, playing 78% of snaps and collecting 8 tackles (4 solo). He could be a high-upside sleeper for tackle opportunities, with the Chiefs well-equipped to attack the middle of the Cincinnati defense.