Bengals receive welcomed surprise at OTAs
Though they haven't been mandatory for players, the Cincinnati Bengals have experienced wonderful attendance during the first two phases of offseason work. Only a few players haven’t been seen practicing with the team this month. Stars such as Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been putting in work alongside Joe Burrow and company to prepare […]
Though they haven't been mandatory for players, the Cincinnati Bengals have experienced wonderful attendance during the first two phases of offseason work. Only a few players haven’t been seen practicing with the team this month.
Stars such as Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been putting in work alongside Joe Burrow and company to prepare for the final section of the offseason prior to training camp, when everyone needs to be present.
For now, players can come and go as they please, including veteran leaders like Tyler Boyd.
Boyd made his first appearance at Bengals OTAs Tuesday morning, rejoining nearly 100% of the team during what's now the third week of voluntary practices. His arrival was even a surprise to head coach Zac Taylor, per The Athletic's Jay Morrison.
The presence of Boyd is meaningful as one of the few players left on the roster from the Marvin Lewis days. Now 28 years old, Boyd's one of the more experienced players Taylor has on his offense, and his remaining time with team doesn't appear to be long.
Upcoming contracts for Higgins and Chase send an unfriendly message to Boyd, who is set to play on the last year of his deal. Despite that apparent formality, the eighth-year player is still prioritizing being present with the team with over three months remaining until the season begins.
Boyd being there matters. The weight his words and actions have as an accomplished veteran only supports the praise his head coach has received for his generous offseason schedule.
Morrison also reports that the Bengals are now without just two players at practice. Chidobe Awuzie and Jonah Williams, both of whom are still recovering from knee surgeries, are still away for now. Awuzie is targeting a Week 1 return date, and Williams is expected to be ready for training camp.
Boyd's ready to go now, to the pleasant surprise of his coach, and more.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
