After being required to shutter their facility due to the ongoing pandemic, the Cincinnati Bengals are set to reopen in some capacity on May 20.
The Cincinnati Bengals have had their facilities shut down since April 8, when the NFL required each of its 32 franchises to do so. According to ESPN’s Ben Baby, Paul Brown Stadium is set to open back up in some capacity starting on May 20.
Don’t expect to see Zac Taylor or A.J. Green walking the halls of the stadium just yet though. The gates are only opening up for some employees and rehabbing players.
The league extended the virtual offseason to the end of the month in part to ensure there were no competitive advantages. For example, if Ohio’s state government allowed for reopening this week, but Maryland was not allowed to do so until the end of the month, that would give the Bengals a leg up over the Ravens.
Fans should keep a close eye on the timeline the Bengals will be able to get their new additions on the field. The team is set to rely on a number of rookies such as Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Logan Wilson, who could all earn starting jobs out of the gate. Getting them live reps at the NFL level will be vital in ensuring a quick transition.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needs all the on-field time he can get with his new free-agent additions as well. The front office brought in D.J. Reader, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Vonn Bell, and Josh Bynes, likely giving the defense a whopping 5 new starters. They’ll need time to learn the ropes in Cincinnati and to gel with their new teammates.
The offseason moves have been encouraging and the team looks much-improved on paper. Now the waiting game commences for the coaching staff to put it all together to yield results on the field.