Bengals revamp starting offensive line vs. Redskins

The offensive line situation for the Bengals is a fluid one. After left guard John Jerry and center Billy Price struggled last week against the Chiefs, the team is trying a different approach tonight.

Michael Jordan and Trey Hopkins will be running with the first team at left guard and center, respectively, per Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Jordan and Hopkins took first-team reps during practice this week, so this doesn’t come as a big surprise. Jordan has been the next guy up behind Jerry since the initial depth chart was put out by the team. He’s taken reps at all three interior positions this offseason, but left guard is where he’ll have the best chance at cracking the starting lineup come September.

Hopkins has been at both left guard and center during camp, but the idea of him starting over Price hasn’t gained any traction until this week following Price’s subpar performance in Kansas City. Hopkins started seven games last year at center when Price was injured and performed relatively well. If he plays well tonight, the job might become his to lose.

Not playing tonight entirely is Christian Westerman, who did not travel with the team for personal reasons and is reportedly considering retirement, per radio analyst Dave Lapham.

With no Westerman means more reps for guys like Justin Evans and Keaton Sutherland inside at either guard spot with the second and third units.