Cincinnati Bengals to Watch vs. the Colts

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Sean Porter (56) talks with linebacker Jayson DiManche (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Porter (and Jayson DiManche)

Sean Porter is another roster “bubble” player who has struggled with injuries in the past.  Porter suffered a shoulder injury during last year’s preseason and was placed on I.R. for the year.  He’s spent much of this off-season injured and missed the first two games of the preseason.  Porter managed to return for the game against the Cardinals, but was only on the field for 17 snaps.  In the final preseason game against the Colts, he will need to have a big game in order to prove his merit.

Porter is looking to supplant Jayson DiManche on the final roster and is battling rookie Marquis Flowers for a spot also.  Flowers has shown promise this off-season and DiManche was a quality player on special teams last year, so Porter has his work cut out for him.  He was drafted out of Texas A&M as a highly versatile linebacker who showed ability at all three linebacker spots.  He displayed a convincing pass-rushing prowess during his junior year, but was forced to change his role when A&M switched its defensive game planning during his senior season.  If Porter can prove his value as a ultra-versatile, pass-rushing linebacker, he could bring a valuable and unique skill set to this defense.  The problem may simply be there isn’t enough time left for Porter to prove his value prior to final cuts.  At this point, his fourth round draft status may be the most significant asset on his side.