Bengals fans got more good news on the final Sunday before training camp. Not only did Cincinnati-native Sam Hubbard reportedly agreed to a four-year, $40 million extension with the club, but key pieces of the Bengals offensive and defensive lines should be ready to practice this week.
Starting center Trey Hopkins could be on the field sooner, rather than later despite suffering a torn ACL in January.
The Bengals didn't place Hopkins on the PUP or NFI list, which means he's been cleared and should be able to practice later this week when training camp begins.
The team will likely take it slow with Hopkins, but he wasn't placed on any of the lists, which means he's eligible to practice.
Some were worried Hopkins may have had a setback after some of the moves the Bengals had made in recent days. They claimed Lamont Gaillard and are bringing in three more offensive linemen on Monday, including veteran center Austin Reiter.
Nose tackle DJ Reader wasn't placed on any lists, which means the Bengals' big man is on track to rebound from a devastating quad injury that cost him the final 11 games of the 2020 season.
Reader is a big key in the Bengals' quest to shore up a leaky defense.
The Latest on Burrow
Joe Burrow will also be out on the field when practice begins on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is all systems go and while the staff will be cautious with him—all indications point to him being under center when the Bengals play the Vikings in Week 1.
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