It wasn’t shocking to see the Cincinnati Bengals double up at defensive tackle because that was by far their most pressing need going into the NFL Draft this year.

Just one round after acquiring Kris Jenkins in the second round, the Bengals selected McKinnley Jackson of Texas A&M with the 97th overall choice in the third round, snagging another defensive tackle. The team was given this selection as a compensation when Jessie Bates was cut during the 2023 offseason.

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Though not quite as high as where he landed, Jackson was associated with the Bengals going into the selection in deeper mock drafts.

Unless Jackson has a terrible training camp and preseason, his status as a third-round pick isn’t really in doubt. Depending on how many defensive tackles the team retains, there is a chance for Josh Tupou and DJ Reader to see a lot of action in Year 1.

The starting lineup will consist of Sheldon Rankins and BJ Hill, with Kris Jenkins expected to see a lot of action. Jay Tufele or Zach Carter making the 53-man roster means that Jackson will most likely be a healthy scratch on gamedays. Jackson, though, will have a far easier time getting playing time if those two are gone. And that’s presuming players like Devonnsha Maxwell, Domenique Davis, and Travis Bell don’t unexpectedly challenge for a position on the team.

Based on my estimation, Tufele joins Jenkins, Rankins, and Hill in the top four of the rotation after making the cut, meaning Jackson will be out of the lineup much of the rookie season.

Joe Burrow Has Not Shown Up For Cincinnati Bengals Practice Due To Injury

The Cincinnati Bengals are without their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow for practice on Tuesday. Burrow, who is still coming back from a brutal and rare wrist injury, is taking his time in coming back from injury. While Burrow was spotted at the facilities, he is still apparently not practice ready to join the team just yet.

Burrow will not be practicing with the team in the near future as well according to reports. However, Bengals Talk’s James Rapien said that Burrow will be at the facility every day working on coming back from the wrist surgery he had earlier in the off season.

The former No. 1 overall pick has been doing some workouts with the team recently, and his absence may just be cautionary as Burrow comes back from a rare injury that football players have never really seen before.

Head coach Zac Taylor will give updates today on the team and Burrow specifically when he speaks to the media, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. While Burrow will not be at practice, backup Jake Browning will work with the first team. Browning was a very solid backup last season in Burrows time on the bench, but the moment that Burrow is ready for the first team reps, we should see him practicing with the starters.

Burrow has not only been rehabbing his wrist, but he has also gained some significant weight ahead of the 2024 season in hopes that that will help him stay healthy for the grueling 17 game season.

Burrow has always gone deep into the playoffs when he is healthy at the end of the season, so the Bengals will not rush their star back at all. It will be great to see Burrow remain healthy all year as he is a special player and makes the NFL better.

While the Bengals will have a very tough schedule this year, they have all the pieces to finally bring the Super Bowl trophy to Cincinnati.