Cincinnati Bengals Should Add Veteran Offensive Tackle Following Orlando Brown Jr. Injury

The Bengals' depth is being tested.

Sep 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) blocks as Carolina Panthers linebacker Charles Harris (40) rushes in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Bengals starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. suffered a calf injury in Sunday's win over the Browns.

While Brown is considered "day-to-day," the Bengals' offensive tackle depth is truly being tested.

They already lost Trent Brown for the season. The former Pro Bowler was the perfect swing tackle for this team. Jaxson Kirkland is also done for the year. Cody Ford filled in during the second half of Sunday's game against Cleveland.

Ford has never started a game at left tackle. Will the Bengals add a veteran offensive tackle to the roster?

There isn't a ton of talent available in free agency, but that doesn't mean the Bengals couldn't bolster their depth at the position. Former Pro Bowler David Bakhtiari might be the best available option. The 33-year-old has dealt with his fair share of injuries. He's only played in 12 games over the past three seasons.

The Bengals were willing to sign Trent Brown this offseason. He's a veteran on the wrong side of 30 with a lengthy injury history. Adding another proven veteran would make sense.

Donovan Smith and Charles Leno are two other free agent options the Bengals could pursue. Adding one of these guys to bolster the tackle depth would be wise, even if Brown Jr. can suit up this week against the Eagles.

Would those veterans be willing to sign to be a backup swing tackle? It's time to get the answer to that question.

The Bengals' front office can't leave any stone unturned in their quest to protect Joe Burrow. The moves they've made over the past few offseasons have worked. This offensive line is playing well. That needs to continue.

It's hard to absorb an injury to Brown Jr. at this stage of the season. It would be different if (Trent) Brown were still healthy. He isn't.

That means they should look to free agency and add a proven offensive tackle to a unit that has played well, but is being tested midway through the season.

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