The Bengals are going to attempt to make the playoffs next Saturday with a win over the Steelers and some help from a couple other teams. Much like they have throughout the closing stretch of the season, though, they’ll be doing it all without veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Rankins has been placed on the reserve/non-football illness list today, according to Ian Rapoport, ending his season, barring a Super Bowl appearance by Cincinnati. 
Rankins battled through a hamstring injury that cost him three games early in the season, coming back to make five straight starts midseason. Ever since Week 10, though, Rankins has been ruled out with an illness designation on the injury reports. Since last appearing in a game on November 7, Rankins hasn’t even been a practice participant due to this illness.
After missing that much time, many have questioned why he’s just now being placed on an injured list. Per Jay Morrison of Sports Illustrated, “no one expected it to last this long.” Rankins has been “self-reporting symptoms” of an illness that has kept him out for nearly two months, and the Bengals’ hands have been tied in regard to his ability to play.
Rankins came to Cincinnati on a two-year, $24.5MM deal coming off a strong year in Houston. After spending the first five years of his career in New Orleans, Rankins had two productive years with the Jets before signing a one-year contract with the Texans. He’s had injury issues in the past but has appeared in double-digit games in every year since only playing nine his rookie season. He only played seven games for the Bengals this year.
Morrison also insinuates that with today’s designation comes the assumption that Rankins will not be returning to Cincinnati next season. Morrison claims that Rankins will “be playing for his fourth team in four years in 2025” and that the Bengals will end up saving $7.5MM by cutting him. His claim references the $2MM of dead money and $9.5MM of cap savings tied to Rankins’ contract should he be cut after only one year.
As an insider with Cincinnati, Morrison’s reporting delivers the sentiment that there is lots of frustration with Rankins in the building. There seems to be a feeling that Rankins has forced the team’s hand, and his actions will cost him a roster spot next season.