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Tuesday saw the final fully-padded practice of Bengals Training Camp 2014. Because of this, Geno Atkins was held out, as he still isn't ready for full-contact 11-on-11 football.
Dre Kirkpatrick was also held out, but that was more of a 'precautionary rest' day for the oft-injured corner. It was revealed Marvin Jones will likely miss the first three games this year due to foot surgery. With him out, Brandon Tate will almost certainly make the 53-man roster.
Andre Smith was back on the field after a concussion forced him to miss much of the past week of action. He was however held out of 11-on-11 drills, as coaches weren't ready to have him taking full-speed contact again.
As for what happened in practice, Mike Pollak got some work at center after Russell Bodine had gotten the majority of snaps there with Trevor Robinson backing him up, to this point. While he re-signed with the Bengals in hopes of competing for that starting spot, he's a team-player that will do what he's told.
"I come out and ask where I am each day," Pollack said. "Whatever gets me in a role to get on the field. I just want to play where I can. I’m later in my career , I know my days are numbered. As long as I can get in there, that’s what I care about."
This wasn't the best day for Andy Dalton, or any of the quarterbacks for that matter. Matt Scott and Dalton got the majority of snaps, and Dalton threw several ill-advised passes. One of them was right over the middle right to Leon Hall. It looked as if Dalton didn't see him there at all. He did bounce back and hit A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham for some big plays. Backup tight end Alex Smith also reeled a high throw by Dalton that was Tyler Eifert-ish.
Speaking of Eifert, he's had several quiet practices since Thursday's preseason open vs Kansas City, when he caught just one pass for three yards. Eifert was having a breakout camp prior to that, but has been rather quiet since then. He needs to step up even more now with Jones out.
As for Gresham, he did have a big day, and has looked good since making his camp debut last week. The two-TE formation is going to be used a lot in the first three weeks with Jones out. Gresham and Eifert on the field at the same time is simply better than digging deeper into the WR depth chart after A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu.