The Cincinnati Bengals‘ first round pick Jonah Williams, an offensive tackle from Alabama, was injured during practice and will likely miss his first NFL season after getting shoulder surgery, it was announced this week.
The Bengals’ new head coach Zac Taylor, former Los Angeles Rams quarterback coach under Sean McVay, has found a rough first few weeks with his new tenure as multiple Bengals players are out with injuries.
“We look forward to Jonah being a major contributor in the future and know that he won’t let this injury deter him from still being an important part of this team,” Taylor said, according to ESPN. “We’re confident in our offensive line personnel as we head into training camp, and we believe they can do their part in helping this team achieve its goals.”
Williams was selected 11th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and was a first-team All-American in the 2018 season with Alabama. He missed mandatory OTAs with the Bengals during the early June minicamp because of the injury, but now is confirmed to miss the season after obtaining a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Cordy Glenn, who started for the Bengals at left tackle last season, is set to be in the starting lineup again to replace Williams.
This is a big blow for the Bengals, as it will slow down his development as an NFL tackle significantly, while at the same time, it makes their offensive line weaker than it already was.
The Bengals signed free-agent guard John Jerry earlier this month after not playing under the New York Giants. Jerry could be set at guard for this season, but has also played tackle in the past.
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“That’s part of the equation,” Turner said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. “That’s part of the reason he’s here. He’s got a ton of experience. He’s played a lot of football. He’s also played tackle.”
Quarterback Andy Dalton might lack major protection up front this season, and may find it difficult to connect with his high-favored targets in AJ Green, Tyler Eifert and Tyler Boyd.
