The outgoing Dalton Risner had never met anyone on the Bengals offensive line. But that changed quickly Thursday when he bumped into another outgoing big man as center Ted Karras met Risner walking into the locker room for the first time after signing the club’s most ballyhooed free-agent deal of the year.
“I’m Ted,” said Karras, grabbing a hand and slapping an arm.
“I’m Dalton,” said Risner, grabbing back. “I’ve heard a lot of good things.”
“Going out today?” Karras asked.
“I’m putting the cleats on in 30 minutes,” Risner said.
Not only did Risner do individual drills and stretch it out with the Bengals right off the plane, but head coach Zac Taylor wouldn’t rule out Risner being available in 10 days for the opener in Cleveland.
All indications are the starting right guard remains another vet free-agent in Lucas Patrick with fifth-rounder Jalen Rivers behind him. But Taylor allowed there’s nothing wrong with having a solid veteran of 81 NFL starts on the depth chart.
“Another veteran player who has performed well during his time in the league. The timing is good to get him in here a week before the game and see where he’s at,” Taylor said before Thursday’s practice. “We had a workout with him last week, and he looked great. He looks like he’s in great shape. He has a great mindset. We’ll get him out there, put the pads on, let him go through some stuff and see where he’s at next week.”
The Bengals have been courting the popular Risner for about a month, but he feels like it’s been six years. He says ever since the Broncos took him with the 41st pick in 2019, Bengals fans have been all over him.
“It’s been so cool. I’ve been wondering about the Bengals organization since the day I was drafted because of the love I’ve been shown and the support of Who-Dey Nation,” Risner said. “I think the fan base has maybe valued the football player I am, or the personality I have. I’m not sure.”
What is certain is that Bengals were picking in the vicinity Denver took Risner in 2019, but traded down from No. 42 to pick up Washington tight end Drew Sample. Sample is still here as the Bengal with the most tenure, and Risner is re-united with the first-rounder in Denver that year, Bengals tight end Noah Fant.
“I think this organization fits the mold for me as a person,” Risner said. “Blue-collar guy that loves to work his tail off. I’m oriented around family, I care about values, and that’s what this organization is built off. From what I hear, anyway, it’s a family affair. It’s just where I want to be. It’s somewhere I think I can entrench myself.”
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