First, the Bengals problems came with the injuries of left tackle Levi Jones and center Rich Braham on the offensive line. Then, when the offense caught fire without them, the defense let them down. Now, they'll have to deal with losing another starting lineman. The Bengals will be without right guard Bobbie Williams after he had an appendectomy Thursday. The surgery means that Williams will be out of action for at least several weeks.
Replacing Williams will be third-year lineman Stacy Andrews. Andrews will be making his first career start this week against the New Orleans Saints. He was originally a fourth-round draft pick in 2004, and has played well as a backup.
The Bengals were hoping to have their entire line back soon, since both Jones and Braham are close to returning from knee injuries. That could allow the Bengals to run the football more effectively, wasting clock and keeping their defense off the field more often. There's a chance that Jones could play this week, since he's listed as questionable.