The Cincinnati Bengals are set to host a visit from experienced guard Dalton Risner on Tuesday as they search for ways to strengthen Joe Burrow offensive line protection. With injuries and inconsistent play creating uncertainty at the right guard position, the Bengals are aiming to secure a dependable presence to improve their chances this season.
Dalton Risner’s Professional Journey and Current Status
Dalton Risner entered the NFL as a second-round pick for the Denver Broncos in 2020, quickly establishing himself as a consistent starter over four seasons. Known for anchoring one of Denver’s stronger offensive lines, Risner spent the early part of 2023 with the Broncos before signing with the Minnesota Vikings during the season. He started regularly for Minnesota after Week 7. However, following the Vikings’ offseason acquisition of Will Fries, Risner is once again seeking a team where he can contribute.
Instability at Cincinnati’s Guard Positions Raises Alarm
The Bengals’ offensive line features stability at certain key roles, with Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle, Ted Karras at center, and rookie Amarius Mims holding down right tackle. On the left side, rookie Dylan Fairchild secured the starting left guard spot early in training camp, but the right guard role remains hotly contested. Free agent Lucas Patrick and last year’s swing tackle <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/cody-ford/”>Cody Ford are competing for the job, while former starter Cordell Volson’s injury issues have diminished his chances to regain a starting role.
Statistical Evidence Highlights Urgency for Improvement
Last season’s performances from Patrick and Ford underscored the Bengals’ need for an upgrade. Patrick earned a 64.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), placing him at 37th among qualifying guards, a grade closer to a backup level than a starting caliber. Ford registered an even lower PFF score of 50.6 while primarily playing tackle. In comparison, Risner’s PFF grade stood at 68.1, ranking him 22nd among guards, signaling a clearer edge in skill and reliability that the Bengals could use at right guard.
Impact on Bengals’ Playoff Prospects and Team Dynamics
After reaching the Super Bowl and narrowly missing the AFC Championship in Joe Burrow’s early years, the Bengals have endured back-to-back seasons without a playoff appearance, sparking concerns about squandered potential. Early-season struggles have been a recurring pattern, with the team starting 0-2 in the last three seasons and 0-3 last year, undermining hopes of postseason success.
Stabilizing the offensive line is crucial to protecting Burrow and reversing these trends. If signing Risner can shore up the right guard position, it would provide a valuable boost to the offense, reinforcing protection for Burrow and ultimately helping the Bengals keep pace with AFC rivals as they aim to return to playoff contention in 2024.