Bengals News (8/20): Ryan Finley’s confidence couldn’t be any higher

State NFL Roundup: Troy rookie making impression with Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals had more opportunities to look at their young wide receivers than they might have liked during training camp. Seven-time Pro Bowler A.J. Green had surgery for an ankle injury on July 30, and 2017 first-round draft pick John Ross has missed most of the preseason practice time because of a hamstring injury.

More Quick Hits: As The O-Line Turns
What is out there is the latest update on the Bengals churning offensive line and there is really no update after head coach Zac Taylor and offensive line coach Jim Turner briefed the media following Monday’s practice. Because no matter where they line up in this Thursday’s game (7 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) at Paul Brown Stadium against the Giants, otherwise known as the dress rehearsal, they’ll evaluate left guard again so they can come up with a final alignment by next week. That way that gives them two weeks of practice as a unit before the Sept. 8 regular-season opener in Seattle.

Quick Hits: Taylor Says Ross Should Be Able To Play In Opener
After Monday’s practice Taylor said left tackle Cordy Glenn (concussion) also won’t play in the final two games and offensive line coach Jim Turner indicated Andre Smith gets the nod there for Thursday night’s game (7 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) against the Giants at Paul Brown Stadium. It also appears that rookie Michael Jordan gets his second straight start at left guard and that it will come next to center Billy Price after Trey Hopkins started at center last Thursday in Washington.

Rookie QB Ryan Finley rides growing confidence up Bengals' depth chart
After a strong preseason debut, the Bengals rookie quarterback went out for his first series against Washington last Thursday with a budding sense of comfort and confidence. Then he completed his first nine passes and led the Bengals on a 12-play scoring drive.

More details emerge in death of former NFL player Cedric Benson, including identity of passenger also killed in crash
Benson, who was driving, and Aamna Najam, who was riding as his passenger, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident that occurred Saturday in Austin, Texas, at about 10:20 p.m., officials with the Austin Police Department said Monday.

Bengals lose Trayveon Williams, ready to ‘unleash’ Rodney Anderson
The Cincinnati Bengals won’t have rookie Trayveon Williams on the field for the final two preseason games and head coach Zac Taylor said this absence could stretch into the regular season.

Giants at Bengals: Familiar faces dot Cincinnati roster
In many ways, looking at those players and considering whether or not they could have roles on the current Giants’ team is an illustration of how much the roster has changed. And, perhaps, depending upon your own judgment, improved.

Around the league

Chargers' Melvin Gordon 'waiting on the call' to return
Unfortunately for Gordon, the likely calls from the Los Angeles Chargers' brass to his representation likely include some form of the words 'we're not going higher than our last offer.'

Emmanuel Sanders felt 'amazing' in return from injury
Sanders, who tore the Achilles on Dec. 5, was the first player introduced to the Mile High crowd Monday night, and Joe Flacco wasted no time getting his top target into the action. Sanders caught Denver's first pass of the night for a five-yard gain. Two plays later Sanders took an end-around pitch, sprinting for 19 yards to set up an opening-drive field goal.

Jimmy Garoppolo 'a little frustrated' after 0.0 rating
Garoppolo threw an interception on his second pass of the game. His first four throws were all touched by Denver Broncos defenders, either tipped, picked or almost picked. He finished 1-of-6 passing on three drives Monday night, his lone completion going for a zero-yard gain.

What we learned from 49ers win against Broncos
It wasn't the start Jimmy Garoppolo wanted -- or any other quarterback would for that matter. After an incompletion on his first throw, Garappolo was swarmed by Bradley Chubb and threw an interception to Isaac Yiadom. That's how his first drive ended. Jimmy G tossed two more incompletions, the second -- after more Chubb pressure -- was another interception in the making before it was dropped by the defender. And that's how his second drive ended. Garoppolo's first and only completion was for no gain to Matt Breida on second and 16. And that's how his night ended -- 1 for 6 for 0 yards, one interception and a 0.0 QB rating on three series. In five NFL seasons, Garoppolo has made but 10 starts.

Antonio Brown filing second helmet grievance vs. NFL
Brown, who had his first helmet grievance denied by an arbitrator on Aug. 12, is now arguing he should be provided the same right as other players in terms of having a one-year grace period to phase out using his helmet. He is claiming the NFL is arbitrarily applying its rules.

Patriots' Julian Edelman passes physical, off NFI list
It's a bit of a continuation of good news for the Patriots receiving corps after Josh Gordon was reinstated on Friday. Still, the team is waiting on Demaryius Thomas to return from the physically unable to perform list.