DT D.J. Reader
Arguably the Bengals’ best defensive player, Geno Atkins, should be slotted here. But the team could possibly be without Atkins, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, this weekend. However, that means one of Cincinnati’s biggest offseason pickups will see a good amount of playing time.
Reader, the highest-paid nose tackle, is looking to shore up the Bengals’ run defense. He made a statement in training camp, appearing to be nearly unblockable. Reader is down 30 pounds, and will likely be used as a 1-3-technique.
The Chargers will have some help with the new addition of Trai Turner. But the rest of the interior part of the offensive line needs to be on their A-game, especially if Mike Pouncey is unable to play this weekend, if they wish to keep the revamped offense flowing.