OAKLAND, Calif. _ The Bengals deactivated three defensive linemen and two wide receivers for Sunday’s opener against the Raiders at O.co Coliseum, but that still left them with plenty of both in what they hope would be robust rotations.
Defensive tackle Brandon Thompson and defensive end Margus Hunt were inactive, along with rookie defensive tackle Marcus Hardison, ruled out Friday with a knee injury. Sitting Thompson is a bit of a surprise. He had been fighting a foot injury two weeks ago, but he played in the pre-season finale and wasn’t on this week’s injury report.