The Cincinnati Bengals continue to hold out hope first-round pick Jonah Williams can get back on the field during his rookie season.
Williams, who needed surgery this summer after a setback in minicamp, has always seemed like a longshot to play as a rookie.
Here’s what Zac Taylor recently told the media:
“He has some more doctors’ appointments in the next coming weeks. I’m really not in a position to answer that right now. (He has done) everything you hope for in the building. And work ethic, and trying to do extra — he’s done a great job.”
That’s vague — and probably the best Taylor can do. Not only is the situation itself murky, Taylor’s attempts at being forthcoming recently have backfired, particularly in the case of A.J. Green.
Williams always seemed slated to play in December if he was going to play at all. But whether the team actually activates him if he gets healthy remains to be seen and could come down to need. John Ross sounds like he’ll be the first of two players recalled from injured reserve. Cornerback Darius Phillips is another candidate.
The Bengals undoubtedly need help in the offensive trenches and like at quarterback, it would be nice to start seeing what they really have with the rookie. But the risk-reward balance would also mean potentially risking the first-round product during meaningless games late in a lost season.
With the second half of the season in full swing, Williams’ path to a return now enters its critical stretch.
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