Cincinnati Bengals’ top storylines of training camp

John Ross’s Job Security

John Ross had so much potential following his selection as the ninth overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft. With his record-setting speed, Bengals’ fans were given hope that they finally found a playmaker to complement A.J. Green. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite panned out as Ross battled injuries over his first three seasons in the NFL.

The Bengals declined to pick up Ross’s fifth-year option, a statement that he needs to have a breakout campaign if he plans on playing in stripes much longer. With A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd secured, Ross will have to battle it out with Auden Tate and Tee Higgins for playing time.

Joe Burrow was able to work out with Ross over the offseason, giving Ross a small lead in the race for playing time. However, it will be up to Ross to keep the mental side of the game in check, and hopefully live up to his expectations.

Joe Mixon Contract Negotiations

The Bengals’ best player the past two seasons has been star running back, Joe Mixon. Following an AFC rushing title in 2018, Mixon started 2019 on a rough note. Luckily for Cincinnati, he finished with a bang, ending the season with 1,137 yards and five touchdowns. As the market for running backs depreciates, the Bengals have made it clear that they intend to keep Mixon around for the long haul.

In a press conference on Monday, Duke Tobin reinforced the idea of extending Mixon before the beginning of the season. Joe Burrow loves to check down and look for his running back in the passing game, and Cincinnati would be wise to keep a star like Mixon to help make Burrow’s life a little easier.

The 2020 training camp will look much different than anything that the NFL has ever seen before, and it will be a tense couple of weeks as the Bengals and the league begins to understand what their “new normal” will look like.