Bengals’ Veteran DT Seen in Mysterious Walking Boot—Injury Status Raises Questions Ahead of Season

If you thought the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense was already limping into the new season, well, here comes a boot to slow things down even more. Seeing B.J. Hill—their stalwart defensive tackle—at workouts but sidelined with a walking boot sparks one nagging question: how much longer can the Bengals afford to wait before this key cog is in full throttle? Last season’s defensive woes aren’t just a bad memory—they’re a stubborn ghost haunting Cincinnati’s playoff ambitions. With Hill still on the mend, and a fresh defensive coordinator in tow, the Bengals’ linebackers might be scratching their heads wondering if the reset button really exists. I can’t help but wonder if this boot isn’t just a literal crutch, but also a metaphor for how much ground the team needs to make up come kickoff. Either way, the road to redemption’s about to get rockier before it smooths out.

The Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense needs a big boost.

They were fairly disappointing last season, essentially costing them a trip to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, one of their most respected players will need some more time before getting on the field.

As shown by Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic on X, DT B.J. Hill was at the team’s workout, but he’s not ready to partake in any activities.

Dax Hill (ACL) and Cole Burgess are on the rehab field.

BJ Hill is here but his left leg is in a walking boot. He did not have that in open locker room last week. pic.twitter.com/hb8MoJMdbD

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) May 6, 2025

He’s currently wearing a walking boot on his lower left leg, so he was only there as an observer.

There haven’t been any reports explaining the nature or extent of the injury.

However, Dehner reported that he didn’t wear it during an open locker room session last week.

There’s a chance that this is just for precautionary reasons, and it’s not usual to see veteran players partake in this part of the offseason program, especially when they’re not at full strength.

The Bengals need Hill to be at his best next season.

The new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, will have his work cut out for him so that he can fix this struggling unit.

Hill will join second-year pros McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins Jr. in the interior of the defensive line, with rookie Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson rounding things out.

He just signed a three-year contract to stay with the Bengals, the team he’s called home since 2021.

Last season, he registered 56 tackles and three sacks in 15 appearances, being perhaps the only bright spot for the defense besides Hendrickson.

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