Four Predictions for Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp

Training Camp is Here!

James Rapien | Jul 24, 2024

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during a training camp practice at the Paycor Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY

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Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — Bengals training camp starts today, as the team looks to rebound after finishing 9-8 last season with Joe Burrow missing the final two months with a wrist injury.

The star quarterback is fully cleared and will participate in Wednesday's session. So what's going to happen over the next month?

Here are four predictions for Bengals training camp 2024:

Resting Veterans

The Bengals know how important Burrow is to their success. They are going to give him extra rest early in camp, even if he's feeling great and playing well in practice.

Burrow is coming off of a major wrist injury. Making sure he doesn't overdo it early in camp is crucial to the Bengals' potetial success this season.

I expect Zac Taylor to give veterans extra rest throughout camp, especially since he plans on playing the starters in the preseason.

Take Trent Brown for example. He was placed on the Active Non-Football Injury List on Tuesday. The severity of his injury is unclear, but that doesn't mean he won't be the Bengals' starting right tackle in Week 1.

It also allows first rounder Amarius Mims to get valuable reps with the first-team offense. Meanwhile, Brown can work out and ramp things up between now and the regular season. The Bengals didn't sign him to shine in July. Brown has had plenty of injuries throughout his career. Taylor's going to put his veterans in a position to succeed, even if it means limiting them during the first week of camp.

Prediction: Veteran Rest Main Priority Early in Camp

Brad Robbins Will Win Punting Job

This one may surprise some people. Robbins will compete with rookie Austin McNamara for the punter job.

He was a great holder last season and knows exactly what to expect going into year two. I expect Robbins to take a big leap after an underwhelming rookie campaign.

This is one of the biggest training camp battles for the Bengals. McNamara could certainly win the job, but Robbins has the experience, worked with Darrin Simmons and had a full offseason to prepare for year two.

Prediction: Robbins Wins Competition With McNamara

Big Game Jermaine

Jermaine Burton is going to get plenty of reps on offense. Could the rookie start in the slot and slowly work his way outside?

How they use Burton should evolve throughout the season. I think he'll start in the slot in hopes of mastering that over the next few weeks. Then, as he gets more comfortable, they'll move him around more in hopes of taking advantage of his versatility.

Prediction: Burton grows throughout camp, wins the third wide receiver job and starts Week 1 against the Patriots.

Cornerback Battle

The cornerback competition is the top training camp battle. Will it be Dax Hill or DJ Turner II?

I have high expectations for both guys. Turner flashed his potential as a rookie, which included a great training camp last summer. Meanwhile, Hill looks the part, has elite athleticism and length for a cornerback.

Turner has the edge because he isn't switching positions like Hill, but this competition is going to be fierce. Expect it to come down to the final preseason game against the Colts on Aug. 22.

Cornerback Prediction: Too Close to Call

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Published Jul 24, 2024

JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien covers the Bengals for Sports Illustrated's AllBengals.com and is one-half of the Locked on Bengals Podcast. He's also the co-owner/creator of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Cincinnati and has spent the majority of his professional career in the Queen City. Rapien previously covered the Cavaliers and Indians in Cleveland. He has a background in radio, which includes stops at 700 WLW, ESPN 1530 and 92.3 The Fan. He loves a good trade rumor and uses copious amounts of hot sauce on his food. Cincinnati chili is his go-to meal, followed by gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. When he isn't working or eating, he's probably walking his dog Finley or spending time with family.