Bengals Sign Guard Dalton Risner, Boosting Offensive Line Depth
The Cincinnati Bengals are close to adding veteran depth to their offensive line, with guard Dalton Risner expected to sign, according to a report dated August 27. Risner had visited Cincinnati earlier in the month as the team looked to bolster its interior protection.
Risner, a six-year NFL veteran, has spent his career mainly at guard. The 6-foot-5, 312-pound lineman appeared in 25 games over the past two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, starting 19 of them. He opened his career with the Denver Broncos, starting all 62 games he played over his first four seasons.
Cincinnati had trimmed its roster to eight offensive linemen by the Aug. 26 cut deadline, leaving the unit with some depth questions ahead of the season. Risner’s addition would bring veteran experience and versatility to the interior line, potentially aiding protection for quarterback Joe Burrow and improving run-blocking schemes.
Evaluation and outlook:
– Risner’s prior track record as a reliable starter in Denver and his recent playing time with Minnesota give the Bengals added flexibility along the interior.
– The move underscores Cincinnati’s priority of stabilizing the offensive line as the team approaches the regular season.
– If the deal is finalized, Risner could provide a seasoned option at guard and potentially absorb a swing-role on the line, helping to mitigate injuries and rotation needs.
Summary:
The potential signing of Dalton Risner signals the Bengals’ continued focus on shoring up the offensive line with a veteran presence. Should the deal be completed, Risner would bring durability and starting experience to Cincinnati’s interior and offer another layer of protection for Burrow and a more balanced run game. Positive outlook hinges on how quickly he adapts to Cincinnati’s scheme and how the depth chart shapes up once the deal is finalized.