The Cincinnati Bengals shifted training camp practice to the new turf inside Paycor Stadium for the first time on Thursday.
Otherwise, besides one big injury, it was a routine day as the first preseason game looms. Some quick thoughts:
- The Charlie Jones injury looked bad, yet early indications are that he might’ve avoided a major issue. That’s really important — they need him to be that dangerous threat back on special teams returns this year.
- Signing three free agents isn’t necessarily a sign of long-term concerns about some of the injured bigger names on the defensive line. It’s more about finding bodies to take snaps during preseason action.
- It sounds like Trey Hendrickson is almost all the way back. But it would still be wise to expect a measured pace, as the coaching staff doesn’t want to rush a guy who has had nagging injuries over the years.
- Still no Ja’Marr Chase. It’s going to be pretty interesting to see how long this “hold-in” lasts. But it’s not like it takes a long time for him to get the proper connection going with Joe Burrow.
- The new turf, as captured by Dan Hoard, looks fantastic:
Five observations from Day 12 of #Bengals camp:
1. The team changed the camp schedule and held practice on the colorful new turf at Paycor Stadium for the first time.
“It makes too much sense to get a practice out there before we go play on Saturday,” said Coach Taylor. pic.twitter.com/wu23xjnvSY— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) August 8, 2024
