A day removed from Fred Johnson getting first-team work at Cincinnati Bengals training camp and receiving praise from coaches, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed he’s very much in an open battle at right tackle with Bobby Hart.
Taylor revealed the following, per ESPN’s Ben Baby: “I think Fred’s still battling for that job.”
Baby added context: “Taylor praises Hart’s approach so far in camp, said he isn’t ready to declare a starter.”
This is one of the first times we’ve really seen Bengals coaching admit Hart could be in danger at right tackle. It feels like a natural development given Hart’s struggles last year and his clear issues at times during this camp.
Johnson has previously seen looks at right guard and line coach Jim Turner likes him as a swing tackle, too. But from the sounds of it, there’s a chance he could easily break into the opening-day lineup and send Hart to the bench.
