Bengals Banter: Offseason Workout Programs Kickoff This Week

The Cincinnati Bengals kickoff the first week of a four-week offseason workout program this Tuesday. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams are only allowed ten days of organized team practice activity, with a maximum of three per week for the first two weeks. That increases to four days during the third week with a mandatory veteran minicamp to be held during the fourth and final week of the offseason workout program.

Despite the fact the team will be doing football-like work, no one will win a starting job on May 22 in shorts and helmets. No live contact is permitted, nor are one-on-one drills. Coaches will coach and much of the OTA's benefit will be reflected on the rookies becoming acclimated to the speed of the game and veterans working on technique and rehashing their overall knowledge of the playbook.

The Bengals will conduct a three-day workout (May 22-24, May 29-31) over the next two weeks, with a four-day workout from June 4-7, capped by a mandatory veteran minicamp on June 12-14.

+ Bengals linebacker Dontay Moch is facing a four-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, pending an appeal. Moch said in response that "mistakes happen".

+ Former Bengals great running back Pete Johnson guarantees that Dan "Boom" Herron will start the season at running back.

+ With Brandon Thompson figuring as Domata Peko's backup at nose tackle and Devon Still likely finding a spot somewhere on the defensive line, we wondered what that means for Pat Sims.

+ Terence Newman and Jason Allen figure to fill in for the recovering Leon Hall during OTAs, who tore an Achilles against the Pittsburgh Steelers midway through the season last year.

+ Speaking of Newman, he views rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick as a great player that will be in this league for a long-time. Boy, that's a relief.