It sounds like Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Germaine Pratt could get more usage as soon as Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills.
Coming out of the Week 2 loss, we wrote about the need to get the athletic Pratt more involved if the starting linebackers were going to be a big part of the reason the defense surrendered almost 600 yards in Week 2.
That sounds like it is in the plans, as linebackers coach Tem Lukabu noted, per the team’s official website.
“I would think so. I’d be surprised if he didn’t. Because he’s practicing well. He’s doing a good job,” Lukabu said. “He’s adjusting to the pro style of football. Urgency. The details of it. Just understanding, ‘What play can I eliminate by seeing this and seeing that?’ while still lining everybody else up. He’s come along way with that.”
Given what happened in the home opener, it’s unfortunate Pratt wasn’t viewed as ready enough earlier. He’s been mostly used on special teams with single-digit snap counts with the defense.
Like San Francisco, Buffalo is going to attempt to punch the Bengals in the mouth early and keep at it. After last week, Pratt should at least get a chance to prove he can help keep things on track.
