10-09-2015, 12:24 PM
Yes, they are all working with trainers on a daily basis. The key distinction is that the clock doesn't start ticking until they actually "practice." Once they formally practice, they then need to make a roster decision - either to bring them on, or put them on season-ending IR.
What helps the Bengals is that they are eligible when the bye week rolls around. The facility is "closed." No practices can be had. But I wouldn't doubt that the guys are pushed hard that week to see exactly where they're at.
Ogbuehi - assuming health on the o-line, they'll extend his PUP stay as long as possible. I can't say that he couldn't do what Fisher does as that 6th lineman in terms of catching passes and blocking athletically, but at this point, he's so far behind in all that stuff it'd be foolish to think they could just throw him in and have it happen.
Burfict - the one everyone cares about. Back when they put him on PUP, Marvin - interestingly - spoke about a timeline, saying he felt this meant Tez would be 100% ready to go for the Steelers. Tez told me the same thing, with the qualifier that he probably couldn't play 70 snaps not having played in a year.
As for the roster spot - great question. Assuming health across the board and no trade, I'd sacrifice an offensive spot i.e. Greg Little over the defensive line (yes, even Mr. Hunt) or Chris Lewis-Harris. This could be a far harder decision than they anticipated. Could you imagine going into the bye week and never having to put a guy on IR? Rare thing nowadays...
What helps the Bengals is that they are eligible when the bye week rolls around. The facility is "closed." No practices can be had. But I wouldn't doubt that the guys are pushed hard that week to see exactly where they're at.
Ogbuehi - assuming health on the o-line, they'll extend his PUP stay as long as possible. I can't say that he couldn't do what Fisher does as that 6th lineman in terms of catching passes and blocking athletically, but at this point, he's so far behind in all that stuff it'd be foolish to think they could just throw him in and have it happen.
Burfict - the one everyone cares about. Back when they put him on PUP, Marvin - interestingly - spoke about a timeline, saying he felt this meant Tez would be 100% ready to go for the Steelers. Tez told me the same thing, with the qualifier that he probably couldn't play 70 snaps not having played in a year.
As for the roster spot - great question. Assuming health across the board and no trade, I'd sacrifice an offensive spot i.e. Greg Little over the defensive line (yes, even Mr. Hunt) or Chris Lewis-Harris. This could be a far harder decision than they anticipated. Could you imagine going into the bye week and never having to put a guy on IR? Rare thing nowadays...
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