5 quick takeaways from Day 1 of Bengals’ OTAs in 2022 offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their first day of OTAs this offseason and there were plenty of takeaways to be had. We’ll dive into five of them here.
The start of OTAs signals that the regular season is inching closer and the Cincinnati Bengals had their first day of OTAs on Tuesday. With that, there wasn’t a shortage of things to talk about.
Before OTAs officially kicked off, the news broke that Jessie Bates did not plan to play on the franchise tag this year. This means that either the Bengals will have to extend him before the July 15 deadline, trade him, or he can sit out of the upcoming season.
With Bates’ situation, it was no surprise that he was a no-show for OTAs. One other player didn’t show up, however, and that’s where we’ll start on our takeaways from Tuesday’s OTAs.
Trey Hendrickson a no-show
The other player not to show up for Day 1 of OTAs was Trey Hendrickson, who’s entering the second year of his contract with the Bengals. No one really panicked upon hearing that Hendrickson wasn’t there and the news as to why came out shortly after.
Hendrickson has decided to work out on his own this offseason so that he can spend more time with family. This is a valid excuse and there should be no further worries with Hendrickson.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said DE Trey Hendrickson one of the players who is working out in his own. pic.twitter.com/YZTnQjiNsn
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) May 17, 2022
Tee Higgins present but not participating
Tee Higgins narrowly missed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie but he didn’t miss it in year 2 with a healthy Joe Burrow throwing to him all season long. That being said, Higgins was not taking part in Tuesday’s practice.
Tee Higgins is here but not participating. Which he has said would be the case. Expected to be good for training camp. Not in a sling anymore, though.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) May 17, 2022
With Higgins not participating, Stanley Morgan stepped in, which shows that he’s the next man up for the team should one of the big three go down.
Jackson Carman starting at LG
The only spot on the starting offensive line that isn’t shored up is left guard. Even with that being the case, it felt like left guard was Jackson Carman’s starting job to lose. He was the starting left guard for the first day of OTAs while rookie Cordell Volson was running with the backups.
This gives the Bengals’ a starting o-line that consists of Jonah Williams, Carman, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins, which is a huge improvement for a season ago.
Bengals OL Jackson Carman lining up at first-team LG in 11-on-air. Rookie Cordell Volson with the 2s
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) May 17, 2022
Daxton Hill running with the 1s
With Bates not showing up to OTAs, it should come as no surprise that rookie Daxton Hill was slotted into his spot instead. The Bengals seemingly drafted Hill to replace Bates should a deal between the two sides not come so this wasn’t shocking.
Second-year man Cam Sample also got to run with the starters due to Hendrickson not being at practice.
Rookie S Dax Hill and DE Cam Sample taking first-team defensive reps with Bates and Hendrickson absent, respectively. pic.twitter.com/QUl5is4StG
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) May 17, 2022
Joe Burrow and his brace
It was notable that Joe Burrow was not sporting the brace that he wore throughout the entire 2021 season. When asked about how that felt, he mentioned that it was fun playing without it but he wasn’t sure if he’d play without the brace during the season.
Burrow: Fun practicing without a knee brace. Wear for a game? TBA
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) May 17, 2022
… and there you have it — A few quick takeaways from the Cincinnati Bengals’ first day of OTAs.
"Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster post-draft edition"
The biggest storyline to watch through all of this will be Jessie Bates and what ends up happening there.