LeShaun

Sims

Atkins is out for personal reasons, and it comes at a bad time against a divisional rival. The Bengals will also be missing contributing CBs Darius Phillips and LeShaun Sims, further opening things up on paper for the Pittsburgh passing offense.

S Shawn Williams will also miss Week 1’s matchup against the Chargers. The team will be without CB Trae Waynes too after he tore a pectoral in August. The Bengals’ secondary injury woes should be a boon for Tyrod Taylor and the Chargers’ passing game in a game that has sneaky high-scoring upside.

Cincinnati has almost completely overhauled its cornerback room, adding Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and Sims, while saying goodbye to Darqueze Dennard. Dre Kirkpatrick could even be on his way out. Sims played 332 defensive snaps for Tennessee in 2019 but received really poor coverage marks from Pro Football Focus. He’s a nickel- or dime-package player.

“He is one of our promising young players,” LeBeau said. “I think he has a bright future. He has good size, and size and speed is a good combination for a corner. He’s really worked hard, he has a good work ethic.” Sims played just six defensive snaps Weeks 1-11, but was in on 230 plays from Week 12 on after Tennessee released CB Perrish Cox. At 6'/203, Sims tested well at last year’s Combine and has a chance to open next season with a prominent role.

A fifth-round rookie out of Southern Utah, Sims recently entered the starting lineup in sub-packages. His status is uncertain for Week 17 against Houston.

It’s an upgrade to Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree’s matchup, forcing rookie Adoree Jackson into the lineup with Brice McCain manning the slot. Sims was expected to open the season as the Titans’ starting right cornerback.

Sims missed the season opener, but is on track to return this week. With Adoree Jackson coming off a strong debut, Sims isn’t a lock to regain his starting role.

Tennessee gave up No. 176 and a sixth-round pick next year for this pick and No. 253. Sims (6'1/203) was a four-year starter at Southern Utah, collecting eight career interceptions and earning first-team All-Big Sky as a senior. He showed plus athleticism at the Combine, running 4.53 with a 37-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. A press corner with NFL-level size and movement skills, Sims is a sleeper to eventually make a run at defensive snaps. He’ll open his career on special teams.

Sims injured his hamstring in Wednesday’s practice. CB Demontre Hurst has been promoted from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Sims was the Titans’ No. 3 corner, entering in sub-packages when Logan Ryan moved into the slot. Brice McCain will probably reenter the picture after getting benched. Sims was Pro Football Focus’ No. 73 cover corner out of 119 qualifiers.