Whether or not the Bengals draft a tight end in the first round this year could have a lot to do with Reggie Kelly. The big issue about getting Kelly signed is likely due to the condition of his surgically-repaired Achilles tendon. Is it strong enough? According to Geoff Hobson, the Bengals watched on as Reggie Kelly tested the tendon during a workout on Wednesday. And everything went swimmingly well.
“I feel great. I hated getting hurt, but sitting out the year I think is really going to help my body,” Kelly said Friday. “I feel refreshed. The foot feels fine and right now I’m just working on football conditioning, working on some blocking sets and route running. I think they were impressed with what they saw when I worked out for them so now I just think it’s going to come down to sitting down and looking at some numbers and that’s up to my agent and the front office.”
Hobson writes that Kelly was told that his "left Achilles is now stronger than his healthy one." Now that Kelly has shown that his tendon is strong enough to not be a concern, the issue is rather academic; much like getting Bobbie Williams back. The team wants Kelly back for his experience, run blocking and positive clubhouse presence. And Kelly wants to return to Cincinnati calling them his first choice.
Furthermore, Kelly reminds us not to forget about Chase Coffman.
"I don’t think we should forget about Chase Coffman. I think he can be a very good player. I think he can block and hold down the edge as well as be a great receiver. I think he can be an outstanding tight end."