Bengals Banter: A Review From Tuesday's OTA Session

The Bengals began OTA's yesterday and if you are like many human beings that cannot spend every waking hour online, here are some things that may have slipped past you:

+ The Bengals are making sure that they have an insurance policy in case starting center Kyle Cook goes down. Kevin Zeitler and others will be working at the center position during OTA's.

+ The Bengals defensive line rotation battle will be among the more interesting battles to watch this summer. The defensive line was one of the team's early strengths last season.

+ Veteran corner Nate Clements did not work during Tuesday's session due to an abdominal muscle pull. Clements will be battling rookie Dre Kirkpatrick as a starter, provided Leon Hall completes his rehabilitation before the regular season. If not Clements figures as an early favorite.

+ Receiver Jordan Shipley ran routes during OTA's on Tuesday. Also working after significant injuries were defensive lineman Pat Sims and Roddrick Muckelroy.

+ First round pick Dre Kirkpatrick sat out on Tuesday due to a "tweaking" of the hamstring. The team is simply being cautious.

+ Veteran corner Leon Hall is still not cleared to practice, but he still expects to be back for training camp. With Hall, Kirkpatrick and Clements all sitting on Tuesday, Jason Allen, Terence Newman, and Adam Jones worked with the first team defense.

+ Brandon Tate lined up as the number two receiver on Tuesday. Tate will be vying for that spot along with Armon Binns, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, and others. Tate did not have the opportunity last year showcase much.

+ First round pick Kevin Zeitler lined up as a first team right guard on Tuesday.

+ Last year's third round pick Dontay Moch recently learned of his four game suspension for using a banned substance. However, he said that the NFL has yet to inform him of the suspension.

+ Recent criticism of Andy Dalton's arm strength prompted him to respond. Dalton is comfortable with his arm and correctly points out that he has had success with the arm in past seasons.

+ Adam Jones recently said that he wants the punt return job this upcoming season. He will face a competition with Brandon Tate and possibly Jordan Shipley and Marvin Jones to win the job.

+ Kicker Mike Nugent did not report to OTA's on Tuesday. These session are voluntary and Nugent is expected to attend the mandatory minicamps in June. Nugent was slapped with the franchise tag in early March.

+ There was some confusion on who lined up opposite Reggie Nelson on the first-team defense at strong safety. One report indictated Robert Sands, while another said Taylor Mays.

+ Receiver A.J. Green was named as the best receiver in the AFC North by AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley.

+ Linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy participated in OTA's and seems poised to make a contribution this season after tearing his Achilles last season.

+ Sixth round safety George Iloka was impressive during workouts on Tuesday. Illoka will likely be asked to excel on special teams during his first season.