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Will Josh Malone play part in Bengals new offense?

By Travis Steffen

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Josh Malone #80 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Josh Malone #80 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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The Cincinnati Bengals have a broad group of young wide receivers in 2018. Will Josh Malone find significant reps in the Bengals new offense?

The Cincinnati Bengals are finishing up their third week of OTA workouts this week, and there has been plenty of hype around the wide receiver position. Second-year receiver John Ross has stolen most of the spotlight as he looks to rebound off of a poor rookie performance. Tyler Boyd is another player that is earning some hype and Bengals fans are hoping to see more of in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s new offense.

Another receiver looking to earn more playing time in the Bengals offense is Josh Malone. Last seasons fourth-round pick started in seven of the last eight games during the 2017 season. His 249 snaps only brought him six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown, but could he find himself in a more prominent role come 2018?

Malone started Bengals workouts watching from the sideline pedaling on a bike. He’s back on the field with the team and seeing significant reps against cornerback William Jackson III according to Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Going up against last years breakout corner and having some success could be what is needed to boost Malone’s presence in Cincinnati’s new offense.

"“I’ve definitely been antsy,” Malone said. “Good to get back in rhythm, get timing down. Continue to learn plays and being able to hear plays.”"

Cincinnati has plenty of untapped potential at the wide receiver position spending significant draft capital on the position the last couple seasons. Malone was drafted in 2017 with Ross, and in 2016 the team drafted Tyler Boyd and Cody Core. All of these young receivers are looking to jump to the front of the depth chart and earn their chance to prove they belong.

"“That’s definitely my mentality,” Malone said. “I feel like I wouldn’t’ be on this level if I didn’t have that mentality and want more from myself in general. Of course, I want more this year and want to have more of an impact this year than last year.”"

Next: Bengals offense must give defense relief in 2018

Malone is no different as he had a late start in OTA workouts to show what he can do. It will be an uphill climb as Ross has stolen the spotlight at camp and Boyd has also shown real promise. There’s also the veteran presence of Brandon LaFell still being on the team that could push Malone further down the depth chart this season. He has until week one to prove he should be in the starting rotation and will likely need a dominant preseason showing to move up into the top three.

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