Bengals RBs Chase Brown and Zack Moss play against the Giants

CINCINNATI – Three key Cincinnati Bengals players are ready for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Running backs Chase Brown and Zack Moss and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins will play this week after recovering from injuries, coach Zac Taylor said after practice Friday. Moss was limited all week with a foot injury. Brown appeared on the injury report after Thursday's practice with a quadriceps issue.

However, Taylor suggested it was very minor, which is a good sign for a Bengals team looking to build momentum after a difficult start to the season.

“If you have an issue and you seek treatment for it, then you’re on the injury report,” Taylor said. “We’re doing it right.”

The Bengals (1-5) are in the midst of their worst start to the season since 2019, Taylor's first season. The defense has come under fire after allowing 38 and 41 points, respectively, in recent losses to Washington and Baltimore.

Rankins has missed the last three games after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the offseason, Rankins signed a two-year contract worth $24.5 million and was praised for his ability to bring an interior pass rush to the defensive line.

According to ESPN Research, Cincinnati's entire defensive line has struggled with injuries this season and ranks second-to-last in the league in sacks per dropback. Taylor said getting Rankins back on the roster would help the entire defense.

“(It’s) a big part,” Taylor said. “It’s as big as anything else.”