Another day has passed and that means another day of Cincinnati Bengals training camp is in the books! The team now has three practices under their belt. What did we learn on Day 3?
With each passing day, the Cincinnati Bengals get a little closer to the start of the 2022 regular season where they’ll look to defend their AFC title from a season ago.
As Day 3 of training camp is now history, what did we learn about the team? Let’s take a look at a few takeaways from the third day of practice.
No Pooka Williams
Second-year weapon Pooka Williams wasn’t practicing on Friday. Charlie Goldsmith noted in a tweet that the former Kansas product was on the sideline watching the action and also pointed out that he’s competing for a slot receiver and returner role.
The only new absence at practice is WR Pooka Williams, who’s watching from the side and is not in uniform.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 29, 2022
He’s competing for a role as a slot receiver/returner.
Williams played running back at Kansas but that’s never been the plan for him in Cincinnati. We saw him briefly in the regular season as a return specialist but it didn’t go swimmingly for the then-rookie. If he wants to make this team, he’ll have to show that he can be a viable option as a return specialist.
Mike Thomas banged up
The starting wide receiver trio is crystal clear but the depth behind them is not. That’s why training camp is really important for guys like Mike Thomas. Unfortunately, he was injured during Friday’s practice after he was tripped up on a play and helped off the field afterward.
Jay Morrison noted that it looked like a left knee injury for Thomas.
Looks like left knee for Thomas. He keeps flexing it. pic.twitter.com/LgEEouUWbM
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) July 29, 2022
Injuries are unfortunately a big part of training camp and the Bengals already learned this. Elijah Holyfield was carted off during the first practice of the season and now Thomas is nicked up. Hopefully, this is only a minor setback and Thomas will be good to go for the start of the season.
Evans at kick returner
The hottest under-the-radar name in Cincinnati is none other than second-year running back, Chris Evans. Fans love Evans and are expecting big things from the Michigan product this year.
While Brandon Wilson is expected to make the team and be the main returner, Evans got the first reps at kick returner on Friday, per Goldsmith. Wilson was injured last year but had handled those duties last season but now Evans has a chance to show that he can do it better and be a mainstay there.
RB Chris Evans is getting the first reps at kick returner. With Brandon Wilson out, Evans is the favorite to be the kick returner.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 29, 2022
Gunter goes down
Another injury occurred, unfortunately, and it happened to seventh-round rookie, Jeff Gunter. Following the final play of practice, Gunter went down and despite getting up on his own, had trouble putting weight on his left leg.
Rookie DE Jeff Gunter goes down during the last practice period. Got up but he’s having trouble putting weight on his left leg.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 29, 2022
Gunter is competing for one of the defensive line depth spots and isn’t a lock to make the team despite being drafted this year. Hopefully, this injury isn’t serious and he can make a run at the roster this preseason.
Day 3 of Bengals training camp is in the books!