:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49739111/usa-today-8775954.0.jpg)
The Cincinnati Bengals were back on the field Tuesday as another round of organized training activities began.
However, several key players were unable to practice as they sat out with injuries, or, for unknown reasons. Defensive tackle Brandon Thompson and offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi were among those seen working out on the rehab field. Geoff Hobson reports that whatever Ogbuehi is dealing with isn't serious and he should be ready for training camp. Still, it's unfortunate that he's starting another offseason off the practice field.
Tyler Eifert is not working as his foot is in a cast and he just had surgery last week. H-back Ryan Hewitt and wide receiver James Wright were present in street clothes and unable to practice as they recover from surgeries. Wright had microfracture surgery at the end of last summer and Hewitt reportedly had a minor, non-football procedure done recently.
Offensive tackle Jake Fisher was not present at all after being at last Tuesday's OTA session. Only one session is attended by the Cincinnati media each week during OTAs. That means both of the tackles drafted by the Bengals in 2015 aren't practicing right now. One of them will likely be the starting right tackle this year, so hopefully they're both back on the field very soon.
Linebacker Rey Maualuga was once again not present at all after he was a no-show last Tuesday as well. This is probably nothing and may even be a good thing as the veteran gets time off while younger guys like Nick Vigil and P.J. Dawson get more reps. The younger players are the ones who need all the reps they can get right now. Vigil may be one of the Bengals' best coverage backers and a replacement for Emmanuel Lamur, so it will be interesting to see his development this summer.
Speaking of backers, Vontaze Burfict was present and taking part in 11-on-11 sessions after sitting out portions of practice last Tuesday. Tez can only let the Bengals keep him on the sideline for so long before his competitive nature kicks in.
Quarterback AJ McCarron was back after missing last week for the birth of his son.
AJ McCarron back to work after birth of his son #Bengals pic.twitter.com/MbjAM0IdOH
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) May 31, 2016
And of course, wide receiver A.J. Green was making some impressive grabs along the sideline.
First play of 11s comin' atcha. Watch out, @KaciKustCN2 #Bengals pic.twitter.com/P5iPPFcOwn
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) May 31, 2016
He wasn't the only receiver making noise though as second-year speedster Mario Alford made at least one impressive grab, too.
Mario Alford may be #Bengals' smallest-in-stature WR, but he goes up high for this pass from Andy Dalton during OTAs pic.twitter.com/mT3SktyHOB
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) May 31, 2016
According to Hobson, Uzomah and Kumerow each caught impressive touchdowns during a red zone drill. Tyler Kroft also went up against Burfict for a play in which he recovered his own endzone fumble.