Rainfall hit downtown Cincinnati in the midst of Bengals training camp for the second day in a row today. The downpour caused an approximate 30 minute delay in practice, and forced the team to move inside Paul Brown Stadium to finish the day’s work, while also closing it to the public.
Before you ask, the practice bubble at the University of Cincinnati the Bengals use as their excuse indoor practice facility has not been put up yet.
Injury roundup
Yesterday was the first time both tight end Tyler Eifert and linebacker Vontaze Burfict participated in practice together this training camp. The streak ended at one practice though, as Eifert was held out for conditioning work, and signs indicate he’ll be inactive for Thursday’s preseason opener.
Burfict dressed for practice again, Eifert not, continuing day on, day off program. Unlikely 85 plays Thursday. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) August 7, 2018
Along with Eifert, notable names like fifth-round rookie defensive tackle Andrew Brown and cornerback Tony McRae remained sidelined with their persistent injuries. Joining them today was defensive back Josh Shaw.
Remaining out for the #Bengals: Tupou, Brown, Shelton, McRae. Haven’t seen Josh Shaw as of yet.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) August 7, 2018
New absence is safety Josh Shaw. Was in locker room this morning. Don’t see him out here now. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) August 7, 2018
A fourth-year veteran, Shaw has been playing a safety in the Bengals second-team secondary, and his status for Thursday is now in question.
Offensive line makes final preparations
With the release of the first official depth chart yesterday, the right side of the offensive line has its first-team set to go for Thursday, but don’t think it’s permanent.
First team o-line (although Lewis said today there isn’t a “first team” o-line was Glenn, Boling, Price, Hopkins, Hart
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 7, 2018
Second team guard Alex Redmond can still make a push for Trey Hopkins’ spot, but he may want to lower his hands in pass protection from here on out.
I think Alex Redmond just practically turned Lawson’s head around trying to block him. Think that might be a flag
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 7, 2018
Monday’s practice was a clean one from center Billy Price, as he bounced back from his troubles snapping from numerous practices prior. The trend continued today, and Price is confident the problem is a thing of the past.
Second straight practice for Billy Price with no bad snaps, and it was a sloppy, wet day today.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) August 7, 2018
"I think we've moved past that," Price said.#Bengals
We’ll see if he can backup that statement on Thursday and beyond.
John Ross actually can be covered
In receiver drills early in practice, the speedy second-year pass-catcher showed his advanced quickness and acceleration:
Now it’s Ross’ turn pic.twitter.com/p21FxLJM6p
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 7, 2018
In route-running drills, Ross didn’t drop a pass, but also didn’t haul in an accurate target. He can’t exactly be blamed for it though.
I’m never calling #Bengals wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell ‘Bob’ again. He’s ’Dikembe’ from now on pic.twitter.com/jKSZN4GUQv
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 7, 2018
Wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell did his best impersonation of a safety, knocking away a pass for Ross in the midst of his post route.
Why?
Probably for the laughs, ala Marvin Lewis denying kicker Randy Bullock a field goal a couple practices ago.
The rain was the main story of the day, but Price says the last two practices are an indicator of the team’s ability to overcome any kind of adversity.
More from Price: The last 2 days since mock game "were an opportunity to showcase to everybody and handle what I can do and move forward and grow from it. We're going to be OK. Rain, shine, snow, hail, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, whatever you like, we'll be OK." #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) August 7, 2018
Hopefully the Bengals don’t deal with a natural disaster, but now we know they’ll make it through it.