Bengals add veteran guard Dalton Risner to bolster interior line
A report indicates the Cincinnati Bengals are signing former Vikings guard Dalton Risner, who visited Cincinnati on August 19. The 30-year-old brings six NFL seasons and a starting presence to an interior line that has been shuffled by injuries.
Key details
– Experience: Six seasons, with 81 starts in 87 games split between the Broncos and Vikings.
– Pass protection: Highly regarded for pass-blocking ability. Last season, Risner did not allow a sack and was limited to one quarterback hit in 537 snaps (345 as a pass blocker). He owns multiple career pass-blocking grades of 70 or higher, with his lowest being 67.4 in 2023.
– Durability: Consistently durable, having played at least 15 games in all but one season. He appeared in 10 games in 2024, finishing the year with the last 10 games for Minnesota.
– Role with Cincinnati: Expected to provide a veteran presence at right guard as the Bengals head into Week 1 against the Browns. The team previously faced uncertainty on the interior line when Cordell Volson underwent shoulder surgery, which could affect availability early in the season.
What this means for Cincinnati
– Depth and stability: Risner’s track record as a reliable blocker gives the Bengals a solid option to anchor the right side of the line, potentially easing protection for quarterback Joe Burrow.
– Week 1 readiness: With Volson’s status in question, Risner could be positioned to contribute immediately, helping the team manage the early-season schedule without compromising protection.
Summary
The Bengals have added a proven, durable right guard with strong pass-blocking credentials to help shore up their interior line for the start of the season. Risner’s experience and pedigree are expected to help Cincinnati protect its QB and improve run blocking as they prepare for a pivotal early matchup with Cleveland.
Additional notes
– Watch for how Cincinnati integrates Risner into the starting lineup and how quickly he builds chemistry with the rest of the line.
– If Risner settles in quickly, the Bengals’ interior rotation could become more stable, reducing the pressure on younger linemen and giving Burrow more time in the pocket.