Fred Johnson Expected to Start at Right Tackle on Sunday Against Broncos

The 24-year-old will make his first start of the season.

CINCINNATI — Fred Johnson is expected to start at right tackle on Sunday against the Broncos. 

The 24-year-old has appeared in just two games this season. With Riley Reiff expected to miss the rest of the year with an ankle injury and Isaiah Prince dealing with an illness, the Bengals are turning to Johnson. 

There's a chance that Prince is active in Denver, but he won't start.

"We've got a lot of faith in Fred," Taylor said. "Fred's done some good things for us over the last two years. Fred will be ready to go. Fred's taken the reps, we feel good about that. We'll just see where Isaiah would be at, he'd be more in a backup role if he's available." 

D'Ante Smith could also be activated from injured reserve on Saturday, but he will also be a backup at both tackle spots. 

Johnson has played just 20 offensive snaps this season, but the Bengals are banking on him to protect Joe Burrow and open running lanes for Joe Mixon on Sunday in Denver.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest NFL news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Brian Callahan Shares Thoughts on Ja'Marr Chase's Drops

Jessie Bates Discusses Dropped Interception Against 49ers

Bengals' Offensive Line Shuffle Set to Continue

Film Breakdown: Analyzing Tee Higgins' Recent Success

Will Bengals Pursue Recently Released Veteran Center?

Bengals Place Darius Phillips on IR, Sign Punter to Practice Squad

Six Takeaways From the Bengals' Loss to the 49ers

Three Thoughts on Cincinnati's Loss to San Francisco

Winners and Losers From the Bengals' Loss to the 49ers

Bengals Get Positive Update About Trey Hendrickson

Postgame Observations: Bengals Lose to 49ers in OT 26-23

Bengals Have Big Advantage in One Key Area Against 49ers

Keys to Victory: Cincinnati Bengals vs San Francisco 49ers

All Bengals Staff Shares Picks for Sunday's Game Against 49ers

Watch: Joe Burrow Resumes Practice, Bengals Getting Healthier

Ken Anderson Weighs in on Ja'Marr Chase's Struggles

Bengals' Defense Could Get Boost With Trae Waynes

Film Room: How Defenses Are Stopping Chase and How the Bengals Can Adjust

Trae Waynes and D'Ante Smith Cleared to Practice

Did Justin Herbert Outplay Joe Burrow? Former NFL QB Weighs In

AFC Playoff Breakdown: Where the Bengals Stand After Week 13 Loss

Three Down Look at the Bengals' Loss to the Chargers

In Depth Breakdown of Bengals' Showcase: My Cause, My Cleats

Winners and Losers Following the Bengals' Loss to the Chargers

Zac Taylor Takes Blame After Loss to Chargers

Postgame Observations: Bengals Lose to Chargers 41-22

Burrow vs Herbert: Former Steelers Great Weighs in on Debate

NFL Analyst Weighs in on Joe Burrow vs Justin Herbert Debate

Joe Burrow on Short List of Comeback Player of the Year Candidates

Ja'Marr Chase's Rookie of the Year Odds Continue to Drop

Film Room: Breakdown of the Bengals' Most Important Play on Offense

Zac Taylor's Coach of the Year Odds Continue to Increase

Bengals Move Up In Power Rankings Following Win Over Steelers

Zac Taylor Praises Joe Burrow's Toughness

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow All Bengals on Facebook