Overview
- Video posted on X showed Murphy being taken by cart toward the locker room during practice on Saturday, Aug. 15, prompting initial concern among teammates and fans.
- Team and local reporting later confirmed he received an IV to treat heat-induced muscle cramps and Murphy said he expected to practice on Aug. 16.
- Media projections expect Murphy to be available for the Bengals’ next preseason game on Aug. 22 against the Chicago Bears based on his assessment and the minor nature of the treatment.
- Murphy is entering the final year of his rookie contract after Cincinnati declined his fifth-year option, making health and availability this preseason a direct factor in his upcoming free-agent value.
- Last season Murphy recorded 5.5 sacks and has 8.5 career sacks in 47 games, and had he been injured backups such as Cashius Howell were expected to see larger first-team reps, which highlights the roster impact of any missed time.