The Cincinnati Bengals received a bunch of good news on Friday as Joe Mixon and Derron Smith both suited up for the only nighttime practice of training camp.
Mixon’s heel was cut during Thursday’s practice and though it was initially a bit scary, he’s clearly fine as he’s practicing just one day later. Smith has been out of practice for about a week after having his ankle stepped on by a teammate. It’s great that he’s now back on-the-field, especially since fellow safety George Iloka is expected to remain sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury.
#Bengals safety Derron Smith (ankle) is dressed today.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) August 4, 2017
Jeremy Hill arrives at camp:
What it's like for these guys walking out to camp. @JeremyHill33 @FOX19 #Bengals pic.twitter.com/52qgU15Rcl
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) August 4, 2017
There wasn’t too much news out of Friday’s practice after the Bengals stopped allowing the media to take videos during camp. But, here’s a roundup of what was shared from the practice fields.
Wide receivers doing work:
WRs working! #Bengals50 pic.twitter.com/GeexTmPKoh
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 4, 2017
Not a good look for the veteran cornerback who joined the Bengals this offseason.
Notes you don't want to see: from the last play -- Bene Benwikere looked confused as to his assignment.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 4, 2017
A bit hard to see, but a nice play by Tyler Boyd:
Tyler Boyd with that big run pic.twitter.com/nnbPQu80Pd
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Carl Lawson has the potential to see the field quite a bit this year if he can keep up his good work in training camp through the preseason. (More on Marvin Lewis’ thoughts on the rookie here!)
As I wrote today, Carl Lawson is showing a lot of potential in camp, but his coverage skills need a lot of work. Which is to be expected
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 4, 2017
I'll follow that Lawson tweet up w/ this: 2 minute drill, Lawson comes around the edge to beat Ogbuehi and sack Dalton to end that series
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 4, 2017
Typical A.J. Green stuff...
A.J Green gets a round of applause for a falling sideline catch. Be excited.
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Well, +1 for the defense.
#Bengals first team O stalls at 28-yd line against first team D in 2-minute drill. @FOX19
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) August 4, 2017
This isn’t encouraging for the offensive line.
They're working the 2 minute drill today, and this is the first time I've noticed Dalton under pressure consistently.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 4, 2017
The Andy Dalton / Tyler Eifert connection seems to be back in full force!
Tyler Eifert with the same reaction the very next play! pic.twitter.com/jTNR2YeJvJ
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Jake Elliott working on onside kicks:
Onside kick drills pic.twitter.com/vB6ZoJahRz
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Kevin Huber’s hang-time was at an all-time low last year, so this is good to hear.
Kevin Huber's hang time is looking much improved on the practice field
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
A lot of special teams work was done tonight, which made it a not-so-exciting practice. #SpecialTeamersArePlayersToo!
A lot of special teams today. Kids sitting behind me seem to be getting restless: "Where is A.J. Green?" #Bengals
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) August 4, 2017
John Ross fumbled on a kick return drill, which isn’t ideal... But hopefully he gets it out of his system now. He apparently looked like he was getting ahead of himself trying to run before he secured the ball and fumbled while trying to make the catch. He did practice many returns and it was just one that was a fumble, while the rest looked great. Tyler Boyd and Alex Erickson both worked on kick returns tonight, too.
John Ross looked good returning kicks until he fumbled
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Some actual offense vs defense action!
Jordan Willis has pass cover skills!!! pic.twitter.com/DDJ0DSq5xf
— Kyle Phelps (@KylePhelps92) August 4, 2017
Next Up: Tomorrow is Family Day at Paul Brown Stadium and sure to be a much more exciting practice as the team will hold a scrimmage with the roster divided into two. Practice begins at 1:00 p.m. ET with the team hitting the field to start warming up at 12:30 p.m. ET.