Just when you thought the Bengals’ offseason couldn’t get any more interesting, they pull another rabbit out of the hat. On the very same day star Defensive End Trey Hendrickson made his triumphant return to practice, the front office decided to give Joe Burrow a little extra peace of mind. They have officially signed veteran offensive guard Dalton Risner, a move that screams, “We’d prefer our franchise quarterback to remain upright this season.” Can he help keep Burrow upright?
Risner Brings Much-Needed Experience
Let’s be real, the Bengals’ offensive line has been a topic of conversation and concern for as long as anyone can remember. With Cordell Volson sidelined for the season with a shoulder injury, the interior line was looking a bit thin. Enter Risner, a seasoned pro with 81 regular-season starts under his belt. The man has seen it all, and perhaps most impressively, he hasn’t allowed a single sack in his last 25 games, according to the stat wizards at Pro Football Focus. That is the kind of consistency that helps a quarterback sleep at night.
What Does This Mean for the Bengals’ O-Line?
The big question now is where he fits in. Head Coach Zac Taylor has been playing his cards close to his chest, refusing to name a starter at right guard. Rookie Jalen Rivers has been getting reps, and Lucas Patrick is in the mix, but bringing in a guy like Risner this close to the season opener suggests the team wanted a proven commodity.
Will he start in Week 1 against the Browns? It is a tight turnaround, but don’t be surprised if he is thrown right into the fire. Even if he doesn’t start immediately, having Risner as a high-quality backup provides invaluable depth. After years of watching Burrow scramble for his life, this move feels like a smart, necessary investment to bolster the trenches and give Cincinnati’s high-powered offense the protection it deserves.
