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Cincinnati Bengals tight end CJ Uzomah will play in Super Bowl LVI despite being listed as questionable with a knee injury, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Uzomah has a sprained left knee, an injury he sustained in the first half of the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 30. During the virtual media day on Monday, Uzomah emphasized his determination to do everything he can to be on the field on Sunday and play the Los Angeles Rams.
“I will not miss the biggest game of my life,” Uzomah said. “I’m not going to miss it. That’s my focus going into rehab every day.”
Uzomah practiced on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury, then practiced full on Friday.
The Auburn tight end has been a key part of Cincinnati’s best postseason streak in 33 years. In the first two playoff wins, Uzomah totaled 13 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. He was carried off the field in the AFC Championship Game after jumping to catch a pass.
Uzomah took a towel in his hand and wept as he went to the locker room. He said the emotions stemmed from the inability to be on the field as the Bengals tried to secure their spot in the Super Bowl since 1989.
The Bengals veteran is no stranger to working with the coaching staff. He suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in Week 2 of the 2020 season. He returned in 2021 fully healthy and has started every game in the regular season and postseason.
During the media availability Thursday, Uzomah stressed that he will soak himself in Cincinnati-style chili if the Bengals beat the Rams on Sunday and earn the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.