The Cincinnati Bengals have taken chances on injured prospects in recent years
Quenton Nelson Colts Jersey , and this year was no different.?With the 21st overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft on Thursday, Cincinnati drafted center Billy
Price out of Ohio State. The 6'4", 305-pound offensive lineman suffered a
partially torn pec while bench-pressing at the combine and underwent surgery in
early March.According to Paul Dehner Jr. of the?Cincinnati Enquirer, Price
revealed he is "way ahead of schedule" in his rehab and that his doctor is
amazed by how quickly he is recovering.The Ohio native addressed the matter
during his introductory press conference on Friday (around the 16:10 mark):It
marks the fourth consecutive year Cincinnati's first-round pick has had injury
concerns.?Cedric Ogbuehi (torn ACL) and John Ross (shoulder) entered their
respective drafts banged up, while?William Jackson III (torn pec) did not suffer
his injury until after being drafted but wound up on injured reserve to start
his career.The Bengals needed to address their offensive line this offseason,
and when Arkansas' Frank Ragnow was taken right before Cincinnati went on the
clock, Price was the highest-rated center remaining on its board. They
apparently feel that he has made enough progress that the injury will not be a
long-term concern.Price proved to be an ironman at Ohio State. He started all 55
games in his college career while playing in the physical Big Ten. As he noted
in his presser, the only time he has ever dealt with an injury was when he
suffered a concussion during his sophomore season in high school.In past years,
the Bengals had enough depth and talent where they could afford to wait for a
player to get healthy. That's not the case this year as things stand. The team
already?traded?for veteran lineman Cordy Glenn earlier this offseason and
drafted Price to be a Day 1 starter.Marvin Lewis and Co. believe Price has the
potential to be an anchor in the middle of the line. As long as there are no
setbacks between now and September
P.J. Hall Raiders Jersey , it appears the rookie should be ready for Week 1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)
OPEN CAMP: July 27, Glendale, Arizona
LAST YEAR: Cardinals dealt with myriad injuries but managed to pull out win in Seattle in finale to finish 8-8 in coach Bruce Arians’ final game. He
announced retirement next day. Arians finished with franchise-record 50 wins,
but his teams failed to make playoffs in last two years. QB Carson Palmer, after
another season shortened by injury, also announced retirement. 8-8 record came
despite loss of standout running back David Johnson when he dislocated wrist in
opener. It was another standout year for Larry Fitzgerald: In 14th NFL season,
he finished second in league in receptions with 102. Outside linebacker Chandler
Jones led NFL with 16 sacks.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: Coach Steve Wilks, QB Sam Bradford, QB Josh Rosen
Authentic Andy Dalton Jersey , QB Mike Glennon, RT Andre Smith, RG Justin Pugh, WR Brice Butler, WR Christian Kirk, CB Jamar Taylor, RB Chase Edmonds.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: Arians, Palmer, S Tyrann Mathieu
Uchenna Nwosu Youth Jersey , WR John Brown, WR Jaron Brown, QB Drew Stanton, OT Jared Veldheer, CB Justin Bethel, OG Alex Boone, DT Frostee Rucker,
ILB Karlos Dansby, DT Josh Mauro
Dak Prescott Jersey , TE Troy Niklas, OT Earl Watford.
CAMP NEEDS: With new coach and new systems on offense, defense and special teams, plenty for Cardinals to work on once they don pads. While most practices
will be held in air conditioned comfort of University of Phoenix Stadium, Wilks
says he wants some workouts outside in sweltering Arizona summer heat. There
will be several important position battles, including for No. 2 receiver spot
behind Fitzgerald. There’s also intrigue at quarterback, where Rosen has drawn
praise as Cardinals bring along Bradford slowly after last year’s knee injury.
Rosen will try to unseat Glennon as backup. Wilks and new offensive coordinator
Mike McCoy want much of offense built around dynamic Johnson, who led NFL in
yards from scrimmage two seasons ago. But Johnson skipped mandatory minicamp in
contract dispute. Wilks also has cut camp shorter, ending it on Aug. 13 – just
after second preseason game – and moving back to practice facilities.
EXPECTATIONS: Outside of Cardinals organization
Cheap Josh Allen Jersey , expectations aren’t high. Many early forecasts have them finishing last in the NFC West. But Wilks has impressed players with his system
and he says team has cornerstones of great players – Fitzgerald, Patrick
Peterson, Johnson and maybe Bradford – to build winning team. Preseason games
will be particularly interesting as Rosen is likely to get extensive playing
time.
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