The Bengals may need a new starting safety for at least a little while.
Shawn Williams was taken off the field on a cart after a run by Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt in the first quarter of Saturday night’s game. The Bengals ruled Williams out for the rest of the night with what they called a right elbow injury a short time later.
The television shot of Williams going down showed his arm bending awkwardly as he hit the ground and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Williams suffered a severe injury.
Williams started 15 games for the Bengals last season and finished the year with 81 tackles, a sack and three interceptions.
UPDATE 10:09 p.m. ET: Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Bengals fear Williams dislocated his elbow. He will undergo further tests before a final diagnosis is reached.