Eric Winston making his first start for the Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive tackle Eric Winston will make his first start with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.

Winston signed with Cincinnati on Dec. 2 after Andre Smith suffered a torn tricep and backup options with Marshall Newhouse and Clint Boling produced mediocre results. Newhouse produced a Pro Football Focus grade of -13.1 in his last 280 offensive snaps dating back to week 10 against Cleveland.

After Cincinnati signed Winston, they began building his contributions with 11 snaps against Pittsburgh and then 33 last week against the Browns.

"We're pleased with Eric’s progress," said head coach Marvin Lewis. "He’s been what we expected. He brings a great maturity, a competitiveness. He’s been a good player. He wants an opportunity to continue to play, and help us to win games, and get in the playoffs and go through the playoffs. So it was a good fit for us and I’m glad it worked out. Like any good pro, he’s embraced the learning part, and spent the time and everything to get up to speed, and put in the effort to do that, which has been good."

Figure that Winston's assignment will be a heavy dose of Von Miller, who ranks third among all outside linebackers in the NFL with 44 quarterback hurries and third overall with 18.5 quarterback sacks.

The Bengals are hosting the Denver Broncos, who are looking to secure a first-round bye while also keeping pace with the New England Patriots for home-field advantage. Cincinnati needs a win to secure a postseason berth on Monday but have a week 17 date in Pittsburgh for the AFC North championship.