INTO THE FIRE
New right guard Dalton Risner’s trip from the frying pan into the fire last Sunday in Cleveland is one of the more remarkable Opening Day stories in Bengals’ recent history.
After signing on the last day of practice before the Labor Day weekend and ten days before the opener, Risner played the last 36 snaps following a couple of his first padded practices of the season. Risner, a seven-year vet, was in on a touchdown drive, and Pro Football Focus said he allowed only one pressure in 24 pass plays.
And, after Wednesday’s practice, Risner wanted to make sure he said the name, “Mike McCarthy.”
McCarthy is the Bengals assistant offensive line coach who spent a couple of hours on each of his off days over the holiday weekend to walk him through the playbook.
“I feel bad I didn’t say his name on camera,” Risner said. “Mike McCarthy. I’m Face-Timing him, and he’s trying to spend the day with his kids. It kind of set the stage.”
O-LINE FRAT
Offensive line coach Scott Peters also had a heck of a Bengals debut, considering Risner hadn’t taken a snap with quarterback Joe Burrow until Lucas Patrick went down with a calf injury on the second drive. He also hadn’t been next to right tackle Amarius Mims and center Ted Karras until the surly Cleveland crowd greeted him on third-and-eight at the Bengals 41.
(Risner and the line held up on his first play, Burrow’s 14-yard arrow to tight end Mike Gesicki.)
“The O-Line is the most close-knit group. I firmly believe that,” Mims said. “A brotherhood. He just got here, but it seems like he’s been here for a whole year.”
Mims, who turns 23 next month, and Risner, 30, talked their way through it and are now in a mutual admiration society.
“I’ve been blessed since I got here to play next to veteran guards who know their way around the league,” said Mims, last year’s first-rounder. “Alex Cappa, Lucas Patrick, and now Dalton is a seven-year vet. I’ve been here, but these guys are helping me.”
Risner said when he got the call, he took Mims aside and said, “OK, Mims, give me the rundown.”
“He’s a beast of a human being,” said the 6-5, 312-pound Risner, who should know. “He’s a 22-year-old who wants to learn. He’s eager to be great. I like him.”
Risner’s body didn’t feel so great Monday morning after no spring ball or preseason games, and just five practices.
“I felt like I went into a woodchipper,” Risner said. “There’s no way to prepare. My cardio was good, and my feet were fine. But what are you going to do in the backyard? Put on pads and a helmet and run into a tree?”
No tree on Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12), when he’ll make his 82nd start at Paycor Stadium against the Jaguars. Head coach Zac Taylor said Patrick is not out for the year, but is on injured reserve.
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