Amarius Mims suffers strained pectoral muscle, out for ‘several weeks’

On Monday, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed offensive tackle Amarius Mims will miss “several weeks” due to a strained pectoral muscle, per FOX19’s Joe Danneman. Taylor stated the injury will not require surgery.

The 2024 campaign will be Mims’ rookie season in the NFL. The Bengals drafted the former Georgia standout with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Mims spent three seasons with the Bulldogs, amassing 28 appearances.

The Bengals signed Mims to a four-year contract worth $15.37 million, with a signing bonus of $7.99 million. As a first-round draft pick, Mims’ rookie deal comes with a fifth-year option for the Bengals. The Bengals will choose whether or not to exercise Mims’ fifth year after his third season in the league. His contract is fully guaranteed.

“He’s huge. A monster. Humongous,” Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack said about Mims. “His measurables have to be at the top of the league. His hands are a smidge over 11 (inches). His (arm) length is 36 and change. His wing (span) is 86 and change. It’s ridiculous.

“And he can move. He can run. He’s athletic. How is that possible?” Pollack continued. “And he uses it with his length. That’s what you want, especially on the edge. There are guys who are long and have good length, but they don’t use it. It’s a moot point if they don’t use it. He uses it.”

What should Bengals fans expect from Amarius Mims?

Pollack isn’t the only one with high hopes for the gigantic offensive lineman. Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided an in-depth analysis of Mims’ game and potential at the next level.

“Talented tackle prospect carrying a picturesque frame and exciting NFL traits,” Zierlein wrote. “Mims plays with pretty good technique and is ahead of the game with hand placement. He has the size and bend to create movement and adequate athleticism to make blocks on the move, although he can be inconsistent in that area. 

“He uses a two-hand punch that causes him to lunge forward a bit, but that should be correctable. It is very rare to see him clearly beaten by a rusher, and he has the recovery talent to do something about it when it happens. Mims has more development to go, but he’s a Day 1 prospect with the traits and talent to be considered at either tackle position. He has a high ceiling, but questions due to his lack of experience could temper early expectations.”