CINCINNATI – The
As the deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 players approaches this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, Ford's departure marks a significant change for the Bengals' offensive line. The 29-year-old lineman had been with the Bengals for three seasons, participating in 50 games and earning 10 starts during his tenure. Initially, Ford was viewed as a potential swing tackle, providing depth behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims.
Ford's Role and Performance
Throughout training camp, Ford was expected to compete for a backup position. However, recent practices have seen Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers taking the majority of second-string snaps, particularly during the Bengals' preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears last Saturday. Despite the shift in focus, Coach Taylor acknowledged Ford's versatility and adaptability, noting his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, often stepping in on short notice with limited preparation.
"We liked him in the draft process and then we acquired him years later, and he gave us three good years of football," Taylor remarked. He expressed his appreciation for Ford's contributions to the team and extended his best wishes for Ford's future endeavors in the league.
Looking Ahead for the Bengals
With Ford's exit, the Bengals are actively reassessing their options for depth behind Brown and Mims. Coach Taylor indicated that the team remains open to the possibility of bringing in additional players to strengthen their offensive line as they finalize their roster. The Bengals are committed to ensuring they have the right mix of talent and experience as they prepare for the upcoming season.
