Reedy: Jason Shirley Making Move Back to the Defensive Line

In 2008, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Fresno State defensive lineman Jason Shirley in the fifth round, 145th overall. In his rookie season, Shirley played in two games, making four tackles, one of which was a tackle for a loss.

Then, before the 2009 season, Shirley was asked by his coaches to make the switch from defensive line to offensive guard. Marvin Lewis was excited about the move and said that Shirley had value as a developmental guy on the offense. But after he played in four preseason games as a guard, Shirley was waived on Sept. 5 and signed to the Bengals practice squad on the next day. 

Then before he had a chance to prove himself worthy of making the active roster in the 2010 season, Shirley tore his Achilles tendon playing basketball. Shirley was released and placed on the reserve/non-football injury list and spent the entire season rehabbing his injury.

Now he's entering the last season under contract with the Bengals and it seems that the Shirley to the offensive line experiment may be over.

According to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, Shirley was one of the 25 defensive players that worked out in Mason on Monday.

Tank Johnson and Adam "Pacman" Jones practiced at their own pace. There was also a surprise attendee in Jason Shirley, who was told by the coaches (we hope before the lockout) that he was moving back to the defensive line.

Entering the last year of his contract, this may be Shirley's last chance to make an impact on the Bengals.