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It wasn't so much the broken foot that negated Dontay Moch's season last year. It was the migraines, keeping him out of practice, preventing him making the transition from defensive end to linebacker. And if you don't practice, you don't play. Essentially he's entering the 2012 season as just another rookie. For that reason a frustrated Mike Zimmer publicly criticism Moch's progress during earlier OTA sessions. Despite all of that the migraines seem to be under control, according to Geoff Hobson with Bengals.com:
Moch says he hasn't had a problem with migraines in six months and while doctors are puzzled by the cause, he says they seem to have the situation under control.
"I feel good. I feel like I can contribute and I'm just looking forward to more reps," he says.
With ten OTAs under his belt, Moch can resume the transition, continuing to showcase a skillset that impressed the Bengals enough to draft him in the third-round of the 2011 NFL draft. Bengals linebackers coach Paul Guenther speaks highly of his pass-rushing ability, but also emphasizes that special teams could be very important for him to make the team.
"He can definitely get up field. He's got value to us as a pass rusher, but we have to have confidence that we can play him on first and second down, too. And fourth down (special teams) is going to be very important for him."
Moch is facing a reported four-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. It's believed that he's currently appealing the suspension.