Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 2016: News, position battles and what to knowWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2016-08-25T16:50:32-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/120141532016-08-25T16:50:32-04:002016-08-25T16:50:32-04:00Bengals injury roundup following Thursday’s practice
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<p>The Bengals continue to be without Vontaze Burfict on the practice field as he gets set to serve his three-game suspension. </p> <p id="CZGhWq">The Bengals were back on the practice field Thursday, but will soon be off to Jacksonville for preseason game No. 3.</p>
<p id="fyZNQt">The annual dress rehearsal game is always the biggest week of the preseason, not to mention the best glimpse of the 2016 Bengals we'll get before Week 1.</p>
<p id="nZdd6b">Unfortunately, even this won't be a great look at the team Cincinnati hopes to roll through the season with. Among those sitting out of Thursday's practice due to injury were Darqueze Dennard, Jake Fisher, Alex Redmond, Cedric Ogbuehi, Tyler Eifert, Tyler Kroft, Vontaze Burfict, and Mario Alford.</p>
<p id="U1zLRB">Also not present was A.J. Green, but have no fear. Green was merely <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/25/12646950/aj-green-says-he-would-miss-a-game-if-his-first-child-is-born-on-gameday">joining his pregnant wife for a hospital visit</a>. </p>
<p id="lZUH8S">The only mystery among the injured players is Burfict, who has now missed a full week of action. The Bengals have not disclosed why he's being held out. Some think it's just to give younger backers more snaps, but that seems hard to believe with a player who could still do some individual work and just sit out the team workouts, if that were the the case.</p>
<p id="BE027J">Instead, Burfict continues to work on the rehab field with the rest of the injured Bengals. Even though he will miss the first three games of the season, you still hate to see a key player sidelined. In fact, Burfict could use practice time since he won't get any kind of contact practicing in for the first three weeks while barred from the Bengals facilities.</p>
<p id="nFiCIe">As for the rest of the injured Bengals, it continues to look like progress in the right direction for everyone. Kroft is still vying for a Week 1 return, which is crucial as Eifert still looks questionable for that game. The Bengals badly need one of those guys to be healthy against a stout Jets defense.</p>
<p id="OV5rlF">Dennard continues to work his way back from a significant ankle injury that's sidelined him for the entire preseason thus far. We should not expect him to play in Jacksonville on Sunday.</p>
<p id="bJn0Wy">We need to see Alford playing if he's going to make the 53-man roster, but his ankle injury still has him sidelined. At this point, he's more likely to be on the practice squad than the final roster.</p>
<p id="niRQY1">We should also not expect to see Ogbuehi on Sunday while his toe injury still sidelines him. Fisher probably won't be playing either with his knee/ankle injury. Both were on bikes today at practice and are hoping to be back for Week 1. They’re making enough progress to feel cautiously optimistic about at least one of them playing against the Jets.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/25/12647972/bengals-injury-roundup-following-thursday-practice-burfict-eifert-kroft-ogbuehi-fisherJason Marcum2016-08-25T11:00:02-04:002016-08-25T11:00:02-04:00Projecting Bengals’ first wave of roster cuts
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<p>The Bengals will need to have their roster trimmed to 75 players by Tuesday and we’re projecting the guys who will be handing in their playbooks as the deadline nears.</p> <p id="0fRpTB">For most players in the NFL, there are two deadlines of significance over the next two weeks. Every team must be under the 75-man roster limit by 4 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, Aug. 30.</p>
<p id="lQkpZX">Then teams will be required to be at (or under) the 53-man roster limit by 4 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Sept. 3. Once those are set, teams can begin signing and announcing their practice squad starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4. </p>
<p id="Xz2HYU">For the Bengals, getting down to the 75-man limit should be fairly easy. Like most teams, many of the bottom 15 guys often are being camp bodies who rarely even get reps in practice or in games. </p>
<p id="ATqXjY">Here’s a look at our projection of the Bengals’ first wave of cuts with the roster currently at 90 players. </p>
<p id="I3Fi36">WR Michael Bennett</p>
<p id="JD4WyL">WR Antwane Grant</p>
<p id="JG4g1j">TE John Peters</p>
<p id="pfvzIz">TE Matt Lengel</p>
<p id="K7y9H1">FB Andrew Bonnet</p>
<p id="XFYbvU">OL Aaron Epps</p>
<p id="NCLPWw">OL Trip Thurman</p>
<p id="FaClvR">OL John Weidenaar</p>
<p id="3VgfsL">OL Alex Cooper</p>
<p id="pbaWez">DL Jack Gangwish</p>
<p id="uYfcIB">LB Darien Harris</p>
<p id="12jMib">LB Trevor Roach</p>
<p id="YqfR5J">CB Tony McRae</p>
<p id="mCSjzb">CB Corey Tindal</p>
<p id="20nkrK">S Floyd Raven</p>
<p id="53mxsD">The only surprise here is Trevor Roach, who was one the Bengals’ practice squad in 2015 before being promoted to the 53-man roster when Emmanuel Lamur was lost to injury in Week 17. </p>
<p id="2OQis4">However, Marquis Flowers and Jayson DiManche are back and healthy, along with new third-round rookie Nick Vigil. Roach can’t even get on the field this preseason with just three snaps so far.</p>
<p id="29Nia4">Even with the Bengals’ lack of depth at corner, Corey Tindal and Tony McRae have not shown enough to make it through the first wave of cuts. They’re battling veteran Chykie Brown just to make it to the 75-man cut down. </p>
<p id="5SmZ2r">Floyd Raven has had his moments, but there are just too much better options at safety to keep him on the 75-man roster, let alone the 53-man squad. Jimmy Wilson is quietly having a good camp and could win the final safety spot over Clayton Fejedelem. </p>
<p id="sEIwDb">There will be at least two, and possibly more receivers cut to get down to 75. Antwane Grant and Michael Bennett can’t even get on the field to show what they’re made of in the preseason, which is an indicator that they’re likely to be the first to go.</p>
<p id="EeqMhN">Don’t be surprised to see Rashaun Simonise or Alonzo Russell get waived, even though both are vying for practice squad spots. Jake Kumerow is a darkhorse here with his hamstring injury costing him most of training camp and the preseason. </p>
<p id="mb7AZG">In addition to the aforementioned names, don’t be surprised if Bronson Hill, Joe Licata, or David Dean end up being waived. All of those guys deserve to make it through these cuts, but making those final two or three decisions to get down to 75 players won’t be easy. </p>
<p id="Q4cL4v">Who do you see being among the Bengals’ first wave of roster cuts? </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/25/12623036/bengals-53-man-roster-2016-projecting-wave-cutsJason Marcum2016-08-22T18:45:50-04:002016-08-22T18:45:50-04:00Boyd Bengals' most impressive player in preseason?
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<p>The Bengals had a precarious situation at the wide receiver position coming into 2016, but their second round pick has been turning heads this summer.</p> <p>When rookies face a combination of being a high draft pick while also landing on a team with an immediate need, it sometimes leads to disastrous results. If, somehow, the team didn't make the right decision or the player isn't a good scheme fit, "bust" becomes a commonly-used phrase, often too quickly.</p>
<p>Even though the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> have one of the NFL's deepest rosters, offseason attrition forced them to re-invest in the wide receiver position in both the draft and free agency. While the team was touting veteran <span>Brandon LaFell</span> as the No. 2 receiver in 2016, many thought second round pick <span>Tyler Boyd</span> would still be a solid weapon in the offense.</p>
<p>Fast forward to training camp and two preseason games, and Boyd has looked like one of the best players on the field. In a short period of time, he's made a bunch of plays in practice, exhibited high football I.Q. and has helped the team out in a number of different ways. Heading into the third week of the preseason, Boyd looks like he'll be contributing at a high level early on for the Bengals.</p>
<p>Noting his quick progress and high expectations with his draft designation, has Boyd been the most impressive player in Bengals training camp thus far?</p>
<h3>Big Plays at Practice:</h3>
<p>Even though full-pad and contact practices are limited, you can spot someone who continuously makes plays in drills and scrimmages. Sure, there is nothing that can truly emulate NFL actual game speed, but Boyd has showcased quite a few nice traits in the early parts of summer.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/TPike16">@TPike16</a> said Tyler Boyd is "smooth" <a href="https://t.co/iH0eQkJHpS">pic.twitter.com/iH0eQkJHpS</a></p>
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesRapien/status/763454100235292672">August 10, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">tyler boyd's speed is undeniable <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vikings?src=hash">#vikings</a> <a href="https://t.co/pOaZIvVBH6">https://t.co/pOaZIvVBH6</a></p>
— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/763457244218400768">August 10, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Boyd has just as much target opportunity as <span>Sterling Shepard</span> yet he's going something like 8 rounds later <a href="https://t.co/yYoFgrVFfO">https://t.co/yYoFgrVFfO</a></p>
— Matt Oxford (@mattoxford) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattoxford/status/762743958292209664">August 8, 2016</a>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andy to Tyler Boyd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/LiDMNsZlvL">pic.twitter.com/LiDMNsZlvL</a></p>
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) <a href="https://twitter.com/LanceMcAlister/status/762736310310342657">August 8, 2016</a>
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<p>There are many others we could show you, but the bottom line is, Boyd is making plays against both rookies and veterans in camp. Both Cincy Jungle staff on site and other beat writers are noting him as a guy who wows crowds on a daily basis.</p>
<h3>Preseason Weeks 1 and 2:</h3>
<p>In the first two preseason games, Tyler Boyd has five total touches. While it seems low for a guy getting a decent amount of work, he's averaging a whopping 21.6 yards per touch. Breaking down those five touches, he has two punt returns for 30 yards and three receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>What's great to see in this preseason is Boyd already shrugging off some of his draft knocks. Though the question of his ability to consistently separate from NFL defensive backs hasn't yet been disputed, his ability to make plays on deep passes has definitely brought some pundits to look back at his college tape to see what they may have missed.</p>
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<p>His tracking of the ball and being in the place the quarterback expects him to be are two critical aspects for regular season success. Too many times rookie wide receivers aren't on the same page as their veteran quarterbacks for various reasons, but that hasn't seemed to be the case with Boyd and the team's top two quarterbacks. While we don't want to be presumptuous, we're expecting to see more nice plays from him over the next two preseason games.</p>
<p><span><span>Honestly, health is the key, as it often is with any NFL team. The Bengals have had a substantial amount of injuries during camp, ranging from serious to minor, but Boyd, </span><span>Andy Dalton</span><span> and </span><span>A.J. Green</span><span> have all managed to avoid the bug (knock on wood, right?). While Boyd's health is obviously paramount to his regular season success, the health of the starting quarterback and No. 1 wideout will also give him an opportunity to be very successful.</span></span></p>
<p>While the media has had certain attractions to rookies like Sterling Shepard and others, if the Bengals' offense resembles its 2015 form, Boyd could have a legitimate bid for a Rookie of the Year campaign.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/22/12589052/tyler-boyd-bengals-most-impressive-player-this-preseasonAnthony Cosenza2016-08-21T18:12:03-04:002016-08-21T18:12:03-04:00Takeaways from Bengals practice in Dayton
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a training camp and preseason full of injuries, the Bengals had several players return to practice on Sunday. But, several remain off-the-field, too.</p> <p id="paragraph0">The Bengals moved Sunday's practice out of Cincinnati and into Dayton. </p>
<p id="VSoXB9">There, the team held an open practice at West Carrollton High School, giving fans from northern and western Ohio an easier chance to drive over to watch the Bengals practice.</p>
<p id="gqpbAT">It was a fairly light session with players in shoulder pads and shorts, but it was still a great opportunity for fans to come out and support their team for what likely was the last open practice of 2016. </p>
<p id="BQr3b2">Here is a recap of what took place.</p>
<h4 id="so0sSF">Healthy Returns</h4>
<p id="mqNLpA">The big story Sunday was the number of injured Bengals making their way back to practice. The most notable of which was Brandon LaFell, who is <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/21/12574664/bengals-wr-brandon-lafell-expected-to-play-preseason-week-3-vs-jaguars">expected to play in the next preseason game in Jacksonville</a>. The fact that LaFell is already back practicing bodes well for his hand injury and not needing surgery.</p>
<p id="ix4w1i">Also returning to practice was backup kicker Zach Hocker. After missing most of the past three weeks with an ankle injury, Hocker now will <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/20/12558224/mike-nugent-admits-pathetic-in-preseason-marvin-lewis-unconcerned">battle Mike Nugent for his job</a> after the latter has struggled in the preseason. </p>
<p id="cxiceY">Nugent will probably hold onto his job, but after missing two field goals and an extra point thus far in the preseason, he needs to be pushed for his job.</p>
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<p id="Sooy0U">The Bengals also had Rex Burkhead practicing after his minor shoulder injury suffered against the Lions. Jake Kumerow practiced after a hamstring injury has cost him much of the past month.</p>
<h4 id="ylrmLJ">Notable Absentees</h4>
<p id="Jo9pIt">While the Bengals got several players back, many others were not able to practice. Among those not practicing were Vontaze Burfict, Alex Redmond, Mario Alford, Andrew Billings, Darqueze Dennard, William Jackson III, Tyler Eifert, Tyler Kroft, Jake Fisher, Cedric Ogbuehi, and Brandon Thompson.</p>
<p id="GFY6it">Of those names, Burfict is the only one who it looks like was just getting the day off as he did not even make the trip. The same is not true of Alford, who continues to sit with an ankle injury that could cost him his roster spot.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marvin said they left 10 players at home. Vontaze happened to he one of them. Also said Jake Fisher is "fine." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19">@FOX19</a></p>— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Jeremy/status/767483502484946944">August 21, 2016</a>
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<p id="ra2uyJ">Ogbuehi is dealing with a toe injury, while Fisher has an ankle sprain. That left veteran Eric Winston as the starting right tackle for Sunday's practice. That's less than ideal if it is the case in Week 1 against a strong Jets defense.</p>
<p id="3HKcQx">Dennard continues to sit with an ankle injury that Marvin Lewis originally said was only going to keep the third-year corner out a week or so. It looks like 'so' will end up being at least a three-week ordeal with no clear-cut return date. Though, he’s <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/17/12524938/darqueze-dennard-aiming-for-week-1-return">hoping to return by the season opener</a>.</p>
<p id="VQhaGA">Thompson is still on PUP and may remain there to start the season. Jackson and Billings will likely end up on I.R. with their injuries, though Jackson may be able to return late in the season.</p>
<p id="A4ItUc">Kroft is still recovering from his knee issue and trying to return for Week 1. Meanwhile, Eifert continues his rehab from ankle surgery and still looks unlikely for Week 1. </p>
<h4 id="sH1XvZ">The WildBurk?</h4>
<p id="lEKRv9">The Bengals have been pulling out an occasional trick play here and there during training camp. Most of those have been with Tyler Boyd lining up as a Wildcat quarterback and either handing it off or chucking it deep, but this time, is was Rex Burkhead's turn.</p>
<p id="aAUcXl">The backup running back got snaps lining up at quarterback and took a direct snap while Jeremy Hill was in the backfield and Andy Dalton was lined up out wide. With the Bengals having Burkhead, Hill and Giovani Bernard all being quality backs, perhaps this could be a way to get all three snaps this year instead of Hill and Bernard having all the fun.</p>
<h4 id="RSD6nZ">Great Showing by Fans</h4>
<p id="wkZZQi">Most open Bengals practices see only about 2,000 fans in attendance with not much room to hold more at the Paul Brown Stadium fields. That wasn't the case in Dayton, as West Carrollton held around 6,000 fans ready to support the boys in stripes.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Standing room only in Dayton for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> practice. Impressive. <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19">@FOX19</a> is on the scene. <a href="https://t.co/poAhi0rSMA">pic.twitter.com/poAhi0rSMA</a></p>— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Jeremy/status/767447977912852480">August 21, 2016</a>
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<p id="YP8Brk">Head coach Marvin Lewis also addressed the West Carrollton football team prior to practice.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Marvin Lewis, Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bengals inspires the WC Football Pirates <a href="https://t.co/4mHDO6sODU">pic.twitter.com/4mHDO6sODU</a></p>— PirateScores (@PirateScores) <a href="https://twitter.com/PirateScores/status/767444506044227586">August 21, 2016</a>
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<p id="7IRrB1">The Bengals resume closed practices on Monday and will also practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week before traveling to Jacksonville for a primetime preseason Week 3 dress rehearsal against the Jaguars.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/21/12576900/takeaways-bengals-practice-west-carrollton-dayton-2016Jason Marcum2016-08-20T16:00:03-04:002016-08-20T16:00:03-04:00Dalton does well in pair of ESPN QB rankings
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<p>Andy Dalton continues to get more respect around the NFL than in previous years, though not as much as you would probably think in a pair of ESPN rankings. </p> <p id="taDshh">In the NFL, you rarely ever see a franchise fortunate enough to go from one franchise quarterback to another without major setbacks in between.</p>
<p id="lkyH37">Fortunately for the Bengals, everything aligned perfectly for this to happen in 2011. After nearly a decade of Carson Palmer breaking many franchise passing records, the embattled quarterback suddenly retired, leaving the Bengals in a major state of uncertainty.</p>
<p id="9fss7q">But that debacle turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it led to the Bengals selecting TCU quarterback Andy Dalton in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. </p>
<p id="OT2lks">While it’s not always been pretty with a lot of hiccups in the process, Dalton has slowly grown from merely a game manager to now being a franchise quarterback.</p>
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<p id="sMk1PO"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/17235940/2016-nfl-qb-tier-rankings-new-england-patriots-tom-brady-green-bay-packers-aaron-rodgers-pittsburgh-steelers-ben-roethlisberger">ESPN’s Mike Sando</a> came to the conclusion that Dalton is good, but not elite in his poll of coaches and evaluators around the NFL regarding 33 NFL quarterbacks. Sando asked them to place each player into one of five tiers, with Tier 1 reserved for the very best and Tier 5 reserved for the very worst:</p>
<p id="ZP9O5i">While Dalton came in as Sando’s 15th-best quarterback, he still cracked the Tier 2 of quarterbacks, which is classified as a player who “Can carry team sometimes but not as consistently.”</p>
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<p>The way Dalton played gave some hope that he was becoming more than the prototypical third-tier QB.</p>
<p>"You can argue the fact that he had a plethora of talent around him and he did," a pro personnel director said. "But you see the way the team played with him at the helm, and then you see how it fell off dramatically when they put another guy in there to manage it. He has grown, he knows his limitations and he plays within those and doesn't hurt your team. That is the maturation of a quarterback who knows what he needs to do to make his team successful."</p>
<p>The Bengals lost two of their better wide receivers in free agency. They have a new offensive coordinator in Ken Zampese after Hue Jackson left for Cleveland. Can Dalton continue his ascent?</p>
<p>"He played better than I thought he was capable of playing," an offensive coordinator said. "I am still not convinced that he is a solid 2, but it would be kind of hard to argue that."</p>
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<p id="58WoTH">While Dalton lacks the kind of arm strength that many elite passers posses, his accuracy and quick-strike passes make him a very hard player to stop. </p>
<p id="HERmU1">Accuracy was the subject of a piece done by <a href="http://insider.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/17245910/nfl-10-most-accurate-quarterbacks-seattle-seahawks-russell-wilson-pittsburgh-steelers-ben-roethlisberger">ESPN’s Scott Kacsmar</a>, which ranks the NFL’s 10 most accurate passers. Coming in at No. 6 was none other than Dalton. </p>
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<p>C%+: 5.5 percent</p>
<p>It's a shame Dalton injured his thumb against Pittsburgh in Week 14, because the Bengals were competing for a No. 1 seed and Dalton was having by far his best season yet, finishing second in passing DVOA (31.7 percent). Dalton's C%+ was always positive in 2012-14, but he more than doubled his typical season last year at 5.5 percent. His average pass also traveled a career-high 9.0 yards. Dalton still has the tendency to make his receivers catch a high pass, but last year should be viewed as a big step forward.</p>
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<p id="IUA3mD">Kacsmar’s accuracy formula is part of <a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/methods">Football Outsiders</a><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/methods">’</a><a href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/methods"> DVOA system</a>. His passing plus-minus estimates how many passes a quarterback completed compared to what an average quarterback would have completed, given the location of those passes. </p>
<p id="zJFBXJ">That’s why Dalton at +5.5 percent is much better than such a small number indicates. Most quarterbacks in Dalton’s shoes last year would have completed around 60-percent of their passes, whereas Dalton completed 66.1 percent. </p>
<p id="Y2GVa4">And while that margin may not be enough to be considered elite, it sure was the difference between the Bengals being 10-2 and possibly as low as 8-6. That 5.5 percent is the difference in about 20 passes over Dalton’s 386 passing attempts from last year.</p>
<p id="xU7050">Considering one pass made the difference in four games Dalton played in (at Steelers, at Ravens, vs Seahawks, vs Chargers), that small margin of improvement was critical in those close wins last season.</p>
<p id="43juz9">A game of inches as they say. </p>
<p id="OupW53">Despite not playing in the final month of the 2015 season, Dalton still threw for 25 touchdowns and 3,250 yards vs just seven interceptions, good for a career-high 106.3 passer rating. He also rushed for three scores and helped lead the Bengals to a 10-2 start, atop the AFC standings before going down with a thumb injury.</p>
<p id="GErpBn">Dalton set career highs in QB Rating (106.3), yards per attempt (8.42), completion percent (66.1%), and a TD to INT ratio of 3.57:1, more than twice his previous best (1.69:1 in 2012). He had the NFL's eighth-best completion percentage, second-best yards-per-attempt average, second-highest passer rating and fifth-best QBR.</p>
<p id="36zEzl">Even though a thumb injury would end his season in Week 14, Dalton still ended 2015 with more respect and national praise than he’s received in his career. That’s continued into the offseason and continues as we approach the 2016 regular season.</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/20/12437240/andy-dalton-does-well-pair-espn-qb-rankingsJason Marcum2016-08-17T16:30:05-04:002016-08-17T16:30:05-04:00Bengals Roster Bubble Watch 2016
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<p>We take a look at the Bengals on the right and wrong side of the roster bubble entering Week 2 of the preseason. </p> <p id="LIJP7m">The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> have wrapped up training camp following their first preseason game and are now looking ahead to their second preseason game in which they’ll take on the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> Thursday night in Detroit. While there's still a little less than three weeks until final cuts are made, we're beginning to see indications of what Cincinnati's 53-man squad will look like.</p>
<p id="EYWeNk"><a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/14/12464480/bengals-53-man-roster-projection-preseason-week-1-edition">Be sure to check out our latest 53-man roster prediction</a>. Now, it's time for a more in-depth look at the guys sitting firmly on the roster bubble heading into Week 2 of the preseason.</p>
<h4 id="tjgsJo">Offense</h4>
<p id="sI98u0">Barring injury, the roster is pretty much set at quarterback. <span>Andy Dalton</span> and <span>AJ McCarron</span> will be the two lone quarterbacks, leaving <span>Joe Licata</span> and Keith Wenning to fight for a spot on the practice squad.</p>
<p id="gI8u0X">There's no one on the roster bubble at running back either. <span>Tra Carson</span> and <span>Bronson Hill</span> are merely fighting for a practice squad spot. Of note, Rex Burkhead sat out in the preseason opener, but his injury is minor and he should play on Thursday; he practiced on Monday.</p>
<p id="Zqz1KZ">Tight end looks pretty set in stone, though <span>John Peters</span> and <span>Matt Lengel</span> have an outside chance at making the roster if both <span>Tyler Eifert</span> and <span>Tyler Kroft</span> miss Week 1. These injuries have also taken <span>C.J. Uzomah</span> off the bubble completely.</p>
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<p id="QNrOaS"><span>Jeff Luc</span> showed flashes of being an effective fullback in the preseason opener, but he'll need to continue that just to get to within reach of the bubble.</p>
<p id="f3hLna">Alex Erickson's breakout game vs Minnesota put him on the right side of the bubble for the time being, though barely. <span>Mario Alford</span>, James Wright and <span>Jake Kumerow</span> are barely on the outside looking in, assuming the Bengals keep just six receivers. Though, Alford’s injury isn’t helping his cause. Though, Wright is battling back from knee surgeries that have bounced him on and off-the-field in practice and Kumerow suffered a hamstring strain that kept him off-the-field for about two weeks, too. He should be fully back now though.</p>
<p id="pm655w">All four of those guys are right on the cusp of making the final roster, so it won't be surprising to see any of them make it or end up on the practice squad. I refuse to even put Brandon Tate on the roster bubble with as much as the coaches seem to want to keep him. </p>
<p id="wWjE0h">The offensive line has only T.J. Johnson and <span>Trey Hopkins</span> on the roster bubble for now. Both could make it as backup guards/centers, though Johnson is the one on the right side of the bubble.</p>
<h4 id="P6VGxD">Defense</h4>
<p id="fr9fPs">The defensive line took a big turn last week with <span>Andrew Billings</span>' knee injury and Margus Hunt's no-show performance. Billings is bound to end up on Injured Reserve, which may secure Hunt's and/or Pat Sims' spots on the roster.</p>
<p id="LsaH1G">Sims and Billings are similar players so the Bengals probably didn’t need both of them, so Billings' injury will likely keep Sims on the roster.</p>
<p id="Cq4Mnm">This also affects <span>DeShawn Williams</span>, who was firmly on the outside look him prior to Billings' injury. Now, he’s much more likely to make the 53-man roster.</p>
<p id="hJv4wk">As for Hunt, as bad as he was, he's still barely on the right side of the bubble with so little depth here. On the other hand, Will Clarke's performance in training camp and the preseason all but locked up his spot and took himself off the bubble.</p>
<p id="lsZVon">One other name to mention is undrafted free agent Ryan Brown. He did well Friday night and already looks like he may be worth keeping over Hunt. Still, Brown is entrenched on the wrong side of the roster bubble unless he can keep performing well and Hunt continues to struggle.</p>
<p id="PK7lpZ">Linebacker is pretty much set outside of who gets the final spot. I have Marquis Flowers barely making it, but he, <span>Jayson DiManche</span> and <span>Trevor Roach</span> are firmly on the bubble.</p>
<p id="hlF2bW">The only cornerback on the bubble is Darius Hillary. The Bengals may keep just five corners, but Hillary is vying for a sixth spot if there is one.</p>
<p id="SjuZx1">And finally, the final safety spot has <span>Clayton Fejedelem</span> and Jimmy Wilson on the bubble. I give the edge to Wilson since he can play corner too and has veteran experience.</p>
<p id="FOQEGg">Overall, I have about 47 spots essentially set with the next six spots up for grabs that will likely change over the next three weeks. </p>
<h4 id="0GQrwm">Right side of the bubble</h4>
<p id="C45Lym">OL <span>T.J. Johnson</span></p>
<p id="de8eO1">WR Alex Erickson</p>
<p id="3acqpY">DT Pat Sims</p>
<p id="knaTjs">DE Margus Hunt</p>
<p id="nj8UW3">LB Marquis Flowers</p>
<p id="tJ6Exn">S/CB Jimmy Wilson </p>
<p id="C2yFCA">DT DeShawn Williams</p>
<h4 id="QwAZed">Wrong side of the bubble</h4>
<p id="ieLcC9">WR <span>Jake Kumerow</span></p>
<p id="V1IP3f">WR <span>Mario Alford</span></p>
<p id="Skzxoy">WR James Wright</p>
<p id="WKxfic">OL Trey Hopkins</p>
<p id="15DRui">FB Jeff Luc</p>
<p id="A8OxIs">DE Ryan Brown</p>
<p id="K3oLqz">LB Trevor Roach</p>
<p id="A3s9A2">LB Jayson DiManche</p>
<p id="CYqWnx">CB Darius Hillary</p>
<p id="IslKL2">S Clayton Fejedelem</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/17/12479006/bengals-2016-roster-bubble-watch-heading-into-preseason-week-2Jason Marcum2016-08-17T12:46:50-04:002016-08-17T12:46:50-04:005 biggest surprise players of Bengals training camp
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<p>Cody Core has already gone from roster bubble project to potentially a top-four wideout in the Bengals offense this year. </p> <p id="C1eDaN">With training camp wrapped up, it’s time for a look back at some of the biggest performers in August.</p>
<p id="yNegFb">We already know A.J. Green, Andy Dalton and Geno Atkins are great, something they’ve only reinforced with their camp performances. However, this list is meant for the guys who either you may not know, are new to the team, or simply are outperforming everyone’s expectations of them. </p>
<p id="o7x2YK">Here is a look at our five Bengals who were the biggest surprises, in a good way, during training camp.</p>
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<h4 id="vpUsQ8">5. James Wright</h4>
<p id="Krtuw8">For James Wright, just seeing him back on an NFL field is worthy of making this list. After missing much of the last two years due to knee surgeries - one of which being microfracture surgery - it looked like his NFL may end before it really began. </p>
<p id="Di5F9g">But Wright battled back and stayed committed to not only making it back, but making an impact in the process for the Bengals. Seeing Wright running around and able to get out of his breaks is a big step forward for him re-earning his spot with the Bengals. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Wright looks pretty good to me. Had a few catches in 1on1s & looked smooth on this route against Pacman <a href="https://t.co/6EHnQjbrHU">pic.twitter.com/6EHnQjbrHU</a></p>— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesRapien/status/760562045750312960">August 2, 2016</a>
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<p id="IccGQD">Going back to the Week 13, 2014 game in which Wright was against the Buccaneers, Wright caught three receptions for 59 yards (19.7 average) with a long of 30 to help Cincinnati score a critical road win. He looked poised to become a reliable offensive weapon, something the Bengals could really use now two years later.</p>
<p id="JFio6q">At various points in training camp, we’ve seen Wright look like the guy we saw in Tampa Bay.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reupload: Dalton with the throw, James Wright with the catch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/3svYSGWIS0">https://t.co/3svYSGWIS0</a></p>— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/761320828814364672">August 4, 2016</a>
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<p id="UHGZke">That was easily one of, if not the best catch any receiver made in camp, but it wasn’t the best catch overall...</p>
<h4 id="94njlj">4. Nick Vigil</h4>
<p id="R443au">When the Bengals spent a third-round pick on Nick Vigil, Bengaldom let out a collective “who’s he?” </p>
<p id="UExCda">He may very well be the future middle linebacker of this defense. With Rey Maualuga aging and only having two years left on his deal, Vigil has the chance to grow into a starter for the Bengals, though the early expectation was his rookie year would be more of a learning experience. </p>
<p id="EzlsfD">And frankly, while Vigil showed some nice potential with Utah State in college, he wasn’t even the best linebacker on his own team (Kyler Fackrell gets that nod), not to mention someone who didn’t exactly dominate the Mountain West. </p>
<p id="oTSdqp">But watching Vigil in camp, he’s adapting to the NFL just fine. He also made easily the best catch of any player in camp thus far.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nick Vigil ladies and gents <a href="https://t.co/CQGXs9K4K3">pic.twitter.com/CQGXs9K4K3</a></p>— John Sheeran (@john__sheeran) <a href="https://twitter.com/john__sheeran/status/760579001194774529">August 2, 2016</a>
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<p id="uu0bfa">Vigil has been batting down passes and making an impact in pass coverage, which may earn him a significant role as a rookie. </p>
<h4 id="NqERWt">3. Darius Hillary</h4>
<p id="SjBIl0">The Bengals have been getting hit hard at cornerback, which has allowed Darius Hillary to get more reps than expected. He’s more than taken advantage of his opportunity, which has included some brief run with the first-team defense. </p>
<p id="a3E81C">That meant Hillary was left to cover A.J. Green on occasion, and he held his own against the All-Pro. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UFA Darius Hillary with solid press coverage on A.J. Green. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball">@BadgerFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UWBadgers">@UWBadgers</a> <a href="https://t.co/ECxAARAVLK">pic.twitter.com/ECxAARAVLK</a></p>— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/762750351015489536">August 8, 2016</a>
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<p id="ltO0z6">Hillary has also held his own against starting slot man Tyler Boyd, as well as Cody Core, both of whom have been very impressive in camp.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out <a href="https://twitter.com/AvesAthletics">@AvesAthletics</a> grad Darius Hillary breaking up Andy Dalton's pass. <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19">@fox19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SycamoreSchools">@SycamoreSchools</a> <a href="https://t.co/sMrOyeWK72">pic.twitter.com/sMrOyeWK72</a></p>— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Jeremy/status/759874400325890048">July 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="rL9PGi">Hillary may not be someone that you want seeing defensive snaps as a rookie, but he’s done well enough to put himself in contention for a final cornerback spot on the final roster or a spot on the practice squad. </p>
<p id="EIw8qE">For what it’s worth, I’d take him over veteran Chykie Brown as of now. </p>
<h4 id="lk6MOx">2. Tyler Boyd</h4>
<p id="FyFRsB">When you’re a second-round pick, you’re typically expected to make an impact during your rookie year. That’s more than true of Tyler Boyd, who has already being projected as the starting slot receiver before camp began.</p>
<p id="LxOToF">But preconceived notions aside, Boyd has not only been one of the most impressive rookies, but one of the best players overall. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quick, slick one on one by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> second-round pick Tyler Boyd from Andy Dalton. <a href="https://t.co/XO9SIaudJ5">pic.twitter.com/XO9SIaudJ5</a></p>— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/status/759836977168519168">July 31, 2016</a>
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<p id="Q7iSJ7">Even on his worst days, Boyd has come away with at least one nice highlight, something he’s been putting up a lot of. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Boyd with the touchdown with Chykie Brown covering him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlCLUxIhwY">pic.twitter.com/jlCLUxIhwY</a></p>— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesRapien/status/760580144088088576">August 2, 2016</a>
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<p id="s4S1cZ">Whether it’s Andy Dalton or AJ McCarron throwing the ball, Boyd has been making both quarterbacks look good with his ability to get separation underneath for quick and easy completions, not to mention making some tough grabs that would have been incomplete with a lot of receivers. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boyd in 1 on 1s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/zurbj9Zuo5">https://t.co/zurbj9Zuo5</a></p>— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/761286617034285056">August 4, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">great TD from McCarron to Boyd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/svGiPsHkfM">https://t.co/svGiPsHkfM</a></p>— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/761980274842501120">August 6, 2016</a>
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<p id="2oi3LQ">Boyd already looks locked in to be the No. 2 pass option while Tyler Eifert is out. While the rookie’s fast rise is a nice surprise, it was, to a degree, expected by the Bengals when they spent as high of a pick on him as they did.</p>
<h4 id="GCWGlj">1. Cody Core</h4>
<p id="rbPBPp">That’s not the case with Cody Core, whom the Bengals drafted in Round 6 to add more competition to a thin receiving unit, not to mention grab a guy with great special teams potential as a former defensive back. </p>
<p id="MzJKLE">But it’s been all about Core’s receiving skills thus far in camp. He’s easily been one of the three or four best receivers for a Bengals team badly in need of player stepping up. </p>
<p id="W9VXQ4">Being a 6’3”, 205-pound former safety, Core has the size and physicality to be a big red zone target, as well as someone who can make tough grabs over the middle. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cody Core with a nice catch in the end zone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rty8MW3in8">https://t.co/Rty8MW3in8</a></p>— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/760569037113946112">August 2, 2016</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cody Core with a nice catch in 7 on 7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bengals?src=hash">#bengals</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Uvr95WgXy">https://t.co/8Uvr95WgXy</a></p>— sarah (@sarahpamerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahpamerica/status/761282490334113792">August 4, 2016</a>
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<p id="0WkoTj">But what’s been really surprising is seeing how good of a route runner he’s developing into. He’s made some experienced NFL corners look pretty bad in camp. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> rookie Cody Core with the okie-doke on Chykie Brown in 1 on 1. <a href="https://t.co/mBRwYFiP15">pic.twitter.com/mBRwYFiP15</a></p>— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/pauldehnerjr/status/761288225189138432">August 4, 2016</a>
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<p id="6nAc03">There’s no question Core has been the biggest surprise of camp. He’s not only locked up his roster spot, but may have even jumped into the top four of the receiving rotation. </p>
<p id="OZu1aK">And given his defensive/special teams background, that makes it even likelier the Bengals make Core a regular active player on gamedays. </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/17/12457354/bengals-training-camp-2016-5-biggest-surprise-players-of-training-campJason Marcum2016-08-16T14:41:28-04:002016-08-16T14:41:28-04:00Bengals hold walkthrough before heading to Detroit
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<p>The Bengals had a low-tempo walkthrough on Tuesday before heading to Detroit to face the Lions. Unfortunately, a slew of injuries are what we’re left to discuss.</p> <p id="FsyJ1y">Bengals players are just like us! Before heading out to their last training camp practice of 2016 a few Bengals stopped to watch the Olympics on the TVs near the new Jack Field Club bar, right outside the team locker room. For those who haven’t heard, this is a new VIP bar inside the stadium where fans can come to watch the team walk into and out of the locker room. There haven’t been many details released yet on this bar, but more information is sure to come prior to the start of the season.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a> Sims, Atkins, Dansby, M. Johnson, Dunlap, LaFell watching Olympics before walking out to practice <a href="https://t.co/4MOXZUfKId">pic.twitter.com/4MOXZUfKId</a></p>— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/765564530562924544">August 16, 2016</a>
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<p id="5rQ0ul">As you can see, the Bengals weren’t in pads or even jerseys as they had a light walkthrough practice on Tuesday before heading to Detroit on Wednesday. Thursday night they’ll take the field for their second preseason game, this one against the Lions. </p>
<p id="fvYyVb">A breezy day in Cincinnati (reportedly the coolest day of training camp) caused punts to fly around in unexpected directions. <a href="https://twitter.com/ColeyHarvey/status/765579032276578305">Per Coley Harvey</a>, that didn’t cause any issues for the Bengals catching the punts in drills. It will be interesting to see if Alex Erickson is able to replicate his success from Friday’s preseason opener throughout the rest of the preseason and whether any other Bengals step up in regards to the return duties. With Mario Alford currently dealing with an ankle sprain, it’s unlikely he’ll get a chance to improve his place among the roster bubble on Thursday.</p>
<h3 id="ar67zt">Injury Updates</h3>
<p id="7Ap9i8">On Monday, Cody Core injured his finger in practice, but finally, there’s some good injury news as he’s already back on the field. The hope is that Core will play on Thursday.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cody Core out here for walk thru with right pinky/ring fingers taped. Participating. Just caught pass. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash">#Bengals</a></p>— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonCMG/status/765566029758070784">August 16, 2016</a>
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<p id="yqz6Cv">Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like Brandon LaFell will be making his Bengals debut this week. LaFell didn’t take part in the Bengals' walkthrough and now, there are reports that <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/16/12503380/bengals-wr-brandon-lafell-has-torn-hand-ligament-may-require-surgery">he’s dealing with a torn ligament in his hand</a> which may require surgery, but wouldn't be season-ending. Marvin Lewis said after practice he still expects LaFell to be ready for the Bengals’ Week 1 game in New York and that they’ll decide on Thursday whether or not he plays against the Lions.</p>
<p id="UHBgma">Cedric Ogbuehi also wasn’t practicing on Tuesday as he’s <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/15/12494554/bengals-cedric-ogbuehi-suffers-toe-injury-jake-fisher-moved-to-rt">battling a toe injury</a> that has his Week 1 status in jeopardy. In response to the injury, Jake Fisher is now practicing at right tackle. Lewis also said he believes Ogbuehi will be on the field come Week 1. It’s not known exactly what Ogbuehi’s toe injury is.</p>
<p id="fPaaSE">Also remaining off the field are Darqueze Dennard (ankle), Tyler Kroft (knee), Andrew Billings (knee), William Jackson III (pectoral), Mario Alford (ankle), Tyler Eifert (ankle), and Brandon Thompson (knee). The later two remain on the PUP list.</p>
<p id="TD0E44">The Bengals are off and traveling to Detroit on Wednesday before their preseason matchup with the Lions on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2016/8/16/12503060/bengals-training-camp-2016-bengals-get-in-one-last-practice-before-heading-to-detroitRebecca Toback