The expected outcome of both position battles.
Now that Week 1 is here, the Cincinnati Bengals have confirmed the winners of two position battles.
On Monday, head coach Zac Taylor announced that Trent Brown would be the starting right tackle.
Taylor also announced that Dax Hill would be the second starting boundary cornerback.
Zac Taylor says Dax Hill will start at CB. That’s in line with how reps have gone for some time.
Taylor also says Trent Brown will start at RT. Not saying specifically due to injury, but points out Mims as a rookie not practicing today not ideal with veteran they like in place.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024
It’s no surprise to see Brown win the job after his only competitor — first-round rookie Amarius Mims — has been sidelined for several weeks due to a pectoral injury. Brown was always the favorite for this job once he signed with the Bengals this offseason.
However, Mims had a great training camp and preseason, while Brown missed the start of camp due to injury. That made this a competition, but it was effectively over once Mims was hurt and Brown was back at practice.
Taylor also gave a brief update on Mims, saying the team would see how the week goes before deciding whether the rookie tackles will suit up against the New England Patriots.
For what it’s worth, Mims was in uniform for practice but did not fully participate on Monday.
Zac Taylor still staying close to the vest about Ja’Marr Chase. Says anything regarding his status is day-to-day.
Also noncommittal about Amarius Mims (strained pec). Said that he would see about getting him through the week. pic.twitter.com/tNX9XAhRoD
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024
Amarius Mims was at practice today in uniform. Was last week as well, but just as last week, when we were viewing did not do any significant contact work.
Example: When all starters blocked the 5-man sled together, he blocked an assistant holding a big red ball next to them.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 2, 2024
As for the cornerback battle, this was a much more contested battle after Hill was moved from safety this offseason to compete with DJ Turner. Hill played surprisingly well after struggling mightily at safety last year, so it’s good to see the former first-round pick may have found his natural NFL position.
