The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating one of the most turbulent stretches of their offseason when it comes to offensive line depth, and things are starting to look a little dicey. Injuries have hit the team hard, particularly along the interior line, forcing some moves that nobody could have predicted just a few months ago. If the Bengals were hoping to cruise into the season with a settled lineup, reality is testing that expectation.
Take rookie guard Jalen Rivers, for example. A fifth-round pick this year, Rivers isn’t supposed to be on anyone’s radar as a first-team option just yet. But Wednesday’s practice told a different story: Rivers was running with the first-team offense. That’s a big step for a player still adjusting to the NFL, and it underscores just how thin Cincinnati’s depth chart has become. Rivers had shown flashes during the team’s second preseason game, but running with the starters at this stage is more than just a vote of confidence—it’s a sign that necessity is pushing the Bengals to get creative.
A major reason behind these lineup gymnastics is the loss of Cordell Volson. The Bengals recently revealed that Volson is likely out for the entire season, a devastating blow given his role on the offensive line. For a team that hoped to have stability in the interior, losing a veteran player like Volson immediately creates a vacuum. Volson’s absence doesn’t just remove a starter—it opens up a question mark in a spot that already has few proven options.
The ripple effect doesn’t stop there. Lucas Patrick, who was expected to hold down the other guard spot opposite rookie Dylan Fairchild, is still battling injuries. Cody Ford, another key piece, is dealing with his own setbacks. The combined uncertainty around these three players puts the Bengals in a precarious situation. What was supposed to be a straightforward depth chart has turned into a jigsaw puzzle, with coaches forced to mix and match, and potentially even turn to untested talent.
If Patrick or Ford aren’t ready for Week 1, the Bengals could be staring at a very unusual lineup: two rookies starting at guard. That’s not a scenario most teams enter the season anticipating. For rookie players, stepping into a starting role immediately is a high-pressure situation. On one hand, it’s an incredible opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stage. On the other, it’s a gamble for the team—rookies can make mistakes that veterans are less likely to, and in a league as competitive as the NFL, those mistakes can have immediate consequences.
This isn’t to say the Bengals are entirely out of options. Signing a free agent like Dalton Risner is still on the table. But with the season rapidly approaching, the team may have to rely on what’s already in-house. Rivers and Fairchild could end up shouldering the load, learning in real time, and hoping that the coaching staff can shield them from the kind of growing pains that come with stepping into a starting role as a rookie.
It’s also worth noting that the offensive line is often described as the backbone of a football team—and for good reason. Protecting the quarterback, creating lanes for running backs, and maintaining consistency across plays requires cohesion and experience. When injuries start to chip away at that foundation, everything else on offense can feel the effects. Joe Burrow, for instance, relies heavily on a strong interior line to execute his game plan effectively. Any disruption in that group could impact his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid unnecessary hits.
The Bengals have a tough balancing act ahead. Do they stick with veteran players who might not be 100% healthy? Do they roll the dice with two rookies in the starting lineup? Or do they bring in outside help to plug the gaps? Each option has pros and cons, and each decision carries significant weight for not just Week 1, but the entire season.
Looking at Rivers’ situation specifically, it’s easy to get excited about the opportunity. Rookies rarely get thrown into the fire this quickly, and there’s a chance he could thrive under the spotlight. But NFL lines are a team effort. Rivers’ performance will depend heavily on communication, chemistry, and guidance from the more experienced linemen still on the roster. Mistakes can compound quickly, and the coaching staff will have to provide not only technical instruction but also a confidence boost to help him stay composed under pressure.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The Bengals have a history of developing young talent effectively. Coaches have shown the ability to adapt schemes and leverage player strengths. If Rivers and Fairchild can rise to the occasion, Cincinnati could emerge from this stretch with a surprisingly resilient and versatile line. The challenge now is keeping them healthy and prepared while navigating a season full of variables and unknowns.
Another factor in this mix is timing. Preseason games and practices give coaches a chance to see players in live action, but the real test comes during the regular season. Every snap matters, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Rivers’ snaps with the first team during practice are a positive sign, but the next step is translating that into consistent performance against real competition. That leap is where many rookies struggle—but also where stars are born.
Ultimately, the Bengals’ offensive line situation is a microcosm of the unpredictability of football. Injuries, timing, and player development can all collide in ways that force rapid adaptation. Cincinnati’s coaching staff and front office are being tested on multiple fronts, and how they handle this period could set the tone for the entire season. It’s a delicate balance between taking risks and protecting the team’s long-term interests, and one misstep could reverberate through the offense.
Fans should pay attention to how Rivers, Fairchild, and the rest of the line respond. Their ability to step up, communicate, and execute will shape not only the Bengals’ Week 1 game plan but also the team’s overall trajectory this season. In a league where depth is everything, the team’s ability to develop young talent quickly could become a defining story.
For now, the takeaway is clear: the Bengals’ offensive line is in flux, injuries are forcing unexpected rotations, and rookie players like Jalen Rivers may be asked to carry a heavier load than anticipated. It’s a story that’s unfolding in real-time, and the implications for Week 1 and beyond are enormous. The team, fans, and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Cincinnati can turn adversity into opportunity—or whether the lack of depth could pose a serious challenge down the stretch.
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