Rookie Michael Jordan might be the unexpected answer to the Cincinnati Bengals’ big problem at left guard.
Jordan isn’t the first name to come to mind when thinking about potential replacements at guard in the wake of Clint Boling announcing his retirement Monday.
But offensive line coach Jim Turner hasn’t forgotten the Ohio State product.
“(Jordan is) the extra guy you really weren’t planning on but now that Clint’s gone, Mike is in the conversation as well,” Turner said, per the team’s site.
On paper, the job at left guard figures to go to Christian Westerman or new arrival John Jerry.
But indeed, it’s best to remember Jordan — the Bengals traded up for him in the fourth round. A lifelong Bengals fan, Jordan checked in at a monstrous 6 feet 6 and 312 pounds, and seems to boast starter upside.
Granted, that upside didn’t figure to come into play so soon. But the timetable has accelerated with Boling gone and first-round tackle Jonah Williams lost for the season.
While Jordan might not end up starting as a rookie, it speaks volumes that coaches are pointing him out in mid-July as a name to remember as they look to replace their best offensive lineman.
