Bengals' Joseph Ossai fully healthy heading into critical contract year

Aug 18, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) returns an interception off Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai was something of a confusing point for fans last year.

After 334 snaps in 2022 that suggested he might be ready for a bigger role in the rotation, Ossai played just 177 in 2023.

It turns out that Ossai was working through injuries and only just now had his first fully healthy offseason with the team.

“The biggest difference is mentally, being mentally stable and being able to see yourself in a position to deal with the things you need to, as far as taking on blocks,” Ossai said, according to Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network. “You’re not thinking about how you’re moving, or you feel a pinch and you’re thinking, ‘Did the surgery go well? Is everything healed? Am I going to be completely ready?’

Last year, Ossai came back from shoulder surgery and suffered an ankle issue over the summer that never got fully right.

Now entering the final year of his contract, this could be a sign of things to come for Ossai. The team needs more rotational impact to keep Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson fresh for an entire season. Alongside former first-rounder Myles Murphy, Ossai has always displayed the ability to be super disruptive when he can stay on the field.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' Joseph Ossai fully healthy heading into critical contract year