One of the more curious elements of the Cincinnati Bengals’ win over the Washington Redskins was the usage of Billy Price.
Price took a seat to start the game while Trey Hopkins started at center next to rookie Michael Jordan at left guard.
Later, Price was in with the second team at center and ended up playing into the third quarter.
After the game, head coach Zac Taylor noted Price is still working his way back from injury (reportedly plantar fasciitis), per Jay Morrison of The Athletic:
“Sooner rather than later. We’ll keep looking at all these positions. Billy [Price] is still fighting through that foot injury, so we want to make sure Billy gets back up to speed and we’re still evaluating at left guard. We’ll watch the tape and keep making evaluations and take our time on making a decision.”
It should be interesting to see whether Price is merely getting extra reps so he’s back in game shape and without rust, or if he’s truly being pushed aside because guys like Hopkins are playing so well.
Obviously, it would be quite the unfortunate development if Price’s play means he isn’t a starter going into the regular season since the team used a first-round pick on him in 2018.
At the least, as we’ve written consistently, he should be in the mix at the guard spots as a starter if Hopkins looks good enough to keep running with the first team at center.
To say Price’s usage in the third preseason game will be a key point to watch would be a gross understatement.
