Why isn't Zack Moss playing for the Bengals against the Raiders? NFL Week 9 injury status

The Cincinnati Bengals head into Week 9 with a crucial matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, but they’ll be doing it without several key players, including running back Zack Moss. Originally listed as doubtful on Friday, Moss was officially ruled out early Sunday. Let’s break down why Moss is missing this game, and the ripple effect his absence has on Cincinnati’s lineup against the Raiders.

Moss’s Status and Absence

Zack Moss’s injury status has been a concern for the Bengals, with hints that his absence might last longer than just this week. Moss had been downgraded from questionable to doubtful over the weekend, and by Sunday morning, the Bengals officially declared him out. While the team hasn’t given specifics on the nature of his injury, the designation means he’s likely facing an extended recovery timeline.

Moss’s absence impacts an already beleaguered backfield for Cincinnati, which has struggled to find a consistent rhythm this season. Missing his physicality, the Bengals will need others to step up, particularly with more injuries impacting key players across the offense. With Moss out, Cincinnati’s depth in the running back room will be tested, especially if the game becomes a grind-it-out affair.

Other Notable Inactives for Cincinnati

Zack Moss isn’t the only significant loss for the Bengals in this matchup. Key offensive pieces like tackle Orlando Brown Jr., wide receivers Tee Higgins and Charlie Jones, and tight end Tanner McLachlan are also sidelined. These injuries leave quarterback Joe Burrow without some of his primary protection and target options. Among the wideouts, Higgins’s absence has been particularly challenging for the Bengals; he’s been an essential part of the offense, and the team has struggled to fill the gap his absence leaves.

Jermaine Burton, a recent third-round draft pick, is also out as a healthy scratch, surprising many since he’s been expected to step up with Higgins on the bench. Burton had seen his most active game time in Week 8, logging 24 snaps, but the decision to keep him out raises questions about his role and development within the team. In his place, Ja’Marr Chase, Trenton Irwin, and Andrei Iosivas will take on the primary receiver duties, with Kendric Pryor elevated from the practice squad as the first option off the bench.

Game Implications Against the Raiders

Facing the Raiders with so many starters sidelined raises the stakes for Cincinnati. The Bengals are still searching for their first home win of the season, and the pressure is building to break this streak. Las Vegas brings a tough defense, with players like Maxx Crosby capable of disrupting an offensive rhythm. Without Moss’s presence to help control the pace and provide a solid ground game, Cincinnati’s offensive strategy will need to shift. Head Coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ staff will need to adjust their game plan to keep Burrow protected and maximize the strengths of their available players.

What’s Next for Moss and the Bengals?

For Moss, the hope is a return in the coming weeks, though his status remains uncertain. This season has shown how injuries can turn a team’s fortune, and for the Bengals, health and resilience will be critical as they push toward a playoff spot. With Moss’s powerful rushing style on hold, the Bengals will need to lean on other playmakers and adapt on the fly as they try to secure their first win at Paycor Stadium this season.