The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a significant challenge with their offensive line after starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. suffered a calf injury during their recent victory over the Cleveland Browns. Brown’s status is currently “day-to-day,” leaving uncertainty about when he will return. This injury exacerbates the Bengals’ existing concerns about their offensive tackle depth.
Earlier in the season, the team lost Trent Brown, a former Pro Bowler who was an ideal swing tackle for the Bengals, to a season-ending injury. In addition, Jaxson Kirkland is also out for the year, further depleting their tackle options. When Brown Jr. went down during the game against the Browns, Cody Ford stepped in for him. However, Ford has never started a game at left tackle, raising concerns about his readiness to take on the role long-term.
Given the situation, the Bengals might explore bringing in a veteran offensive tackle to bolster their roster. While the free-agent market is thin, there are still some experienced players available. One of the most prominent names is David Bakhtiari, a former Pro Bowler who has struggled with injuries in recent years, having played only 12 games over the last three seasons. Despite his injury history, Bakhtiari’s experience could make him a valuable addition if the Bengals feel they need additional depth at the position.
Other potential free-agent options include Donovan Smith and Charles Leno, both of whom bring experience and could add stability to the Bengals’ offensive line. Even if Brown Jr. manages to recover in time for the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, adding one of these veterans as a backup would be a wise move to ensure the Bengals are prepared for any further setbacks.
The Bengals’ front office has made several strategic moves in recent offseasons to strengthen their offensive line, and those efforts have largely paid off, with the unit performing well this season. However, with the mounting injuries, the Bengals cannot afford to be complacent. Their primary objective is to protect their star quarterback Joe Burrow, and ensuring they have adequate depth on the offensive line is crucial to achieving that goal.
Losing Brown Jr., even temporarily, is a blow at this critical point in the season, especially with the team aiming for a strong playoff push. While Cody Ford stepped up in relief, the Bengals’ offensive line has been one of the keys to their recent success, and they cannot risk a significant drop-off in performance.
Ultimately, the Bengals may need to turn to the free-agent market for reinforcements. Securing a proven offensive tackle, even if it’s just as insurance behind Brown Jr., would provide peace of mind and stability to an otherwise solid unit. With key matchups ahead, the Bengals must ensure they leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of protecting Joe Burrow and maintaining the offensive momentum they have built.
