In eight seasons as head coach, Marvin Lewis has not usually given a timetable on how long his starters will play in preseason games.
It's not about to change now.
When asked on Thursday how long the first unit will play in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game against Dallas, the only thing Lewis would say is that they would play some of the first quarter. When pressed deeper, Lewis uttered a phrase usual for this time of year - "they'll play until I take them out."
Typically starters play two series at most in the annual preseason opener, but if the Bengals were to have two straight three-and-out series, Lewis might decide to let them plan another.
Through eight days and 12 practices Lewis has been happy with his team's progress but noted there is still work to be done.
"I think we've had good consistent work," Lewis said. "I think the weather, with the heat and humidity, has been cooperative, which is a good thing for training camp for us to get ready for the season. I think now that we have everyone here in camp and on board, we're able to move into different offensive and defensive structures, and to put guys into certain positions and certain situations where we want to see them. As we go into this first game, I think we're in pretty good shape."
Lewis has ruled out fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), offensive tackle Andre Smith (foot/conditioning) and wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) from playing Sunday. Safety Tom Nelson (knee) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg) are on the active PUP list.
There's a good possibility that linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring), kicker Mike Nugent (leg) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (thigh bruise) will also sit out.
SOME AGGRAVATION: Roy Williams is looking forward to facing his old team and visiting the Hall of Fame.
When it comes to the game itself, that's another matter.
"It's going to be tough to evaluate the first preseason game," he said. "It's going to be more aggravating than everything. You're going to play 4-5 snaps and then you're done. I guess you can get a line out of the first couple plays and how we do."
NERVOUS ENERGY: Adam Jones did play in Dallas for a season, but for his first game in nearly 20 months it doesn't matter who the opponent is.
"The outcome of this is so much better. I'm not nervous of going out and playing but I'm anxious," Jones said. "Whoever it was it would be special. It could be a little league team out there as long as they have the referees."
ROLLER-COASTER RIDE: First-round pick Jermaine Gresham struggled during Wednesday's two practices but started to get into a rhythm on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Gresham had a span where he made a mistake on three or four straight plays, but he bounced back Thursday.
"You can see a little bit today," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "Now he's getting a little worn down because we're getting him a lot of reps."
It's not about to change now.
When asked on Thursday how long the first unit will play in Sunday's Hall of Fame Game against Dallas, the only thing Lewis would say is that they would play some of the first quarter. When pressed deeper, Lewis uttered a phrase usual for this time of year - "they'll play until I take them out."
Typically starters play two series at most in the annual preseason opener, but if the Bengals were to have two straight three-and-out series, Lewis might decide to let them plan another.
Through eight days and 12 practices Lewis has been happy with his team's progress but noted there is still work to be done.
"I think we've had good consistent work," Lewis said. "I think the weather, with the heat and humidity, has been cooperative, which is a good thing for training camp for us to get ready for the season. I think now that we have everyone here in camp and on board, we're able to move into different offensive and defensive structures, and to put guys into certain positions and certain situations where we want to see them. As we go into this first game, I think we're in pretty good shape."
Lewis has ruled out fullback Fui Vakapuna (shoulder), offensive tackle Andre Smith (foot/conditioning) and wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) from playing Sunday. Safety Tom Nelson (knee) and linebacker Rashad Jeanty (leg) are on the active PUP list.
There's a good possibility that linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring), kicker Mike Nugent (leg) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (thigh bruise) will also sit out.
SOME AGGRAVATION: Roy Williams is looking forward to facing his old team and visiting the Hall of Fame.
When it comes to the game itself, that's another matter.
"It's going to be tough to evaluate the first preseason game," he said. "It's going to be more aggravating than everything. You're going to play 4-5 snaps and then you're done. I guess you can get a line out of the first couple plays and how we do."
NERVOUS ENERGY: Adam Jones did play in Dallas for a season, but for his first game in nearly 20 months it doesn't matter who the opponent is.
"The outcome of this is so much better. I'm not nervous of going out and playing but I'm anxious," Jones said. "Whoever it was it would be special. It could be a little league team out there as long as they have the referees."
ROLLER-COASTER RIDE: First-round pick Jermaine Gresham struggled during Wednesday's two practices but started to get into a rhythm on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Gresham had a span where he made a mistake on three or four straight plays, but he bounced back Thursday.
"You can see a little bit today," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "Now he's getting a little worn down because we're getting him a lot of reps."
