The Cincinnati Bengals get their preseason slate underway Thursday against Detroit, and there are multiple storylines and questions that should be monitored throughout the night.
Here are five things to watch for as the Bengals take on the Lions at Paycor Stadium:
How much do the starters play?
Head coach Zac Taylor has said that the starters will play in the preseason opener, but the question that remains is how long they will stay on the field. Guys like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence will get at least one possession, so it will be interesting to see if Taylor gives his main guys more opportunities.
What does the rotation look like at wide receiver?
The battle for WR3 has been a tight one throughout training camp, and Thursday’s game offers the players in the room their first opportunity to prove themselves against a different team. Andrei Iosivas is the incumbent, but rookie Colbie Young has been flashing and making a push for a bigger role this season.
This could be the first step in players moving up or down the depth chart based on their play against Detroit.
Who takes first- and second-team reps at tight end?
The tight end room is another one that is crowded with both veterans with years of experience and young talent looking to make a breakthrough. Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki are at the top of the depth chart, with Erick All Jr. looking to have an impact after returning from injury.
All seven tight ends on the roster should see the field, and with All having arguably the highest upside in the room, it will be intriguing to see where he fits into the offense in the preseason opener.
How does the offensive line fare?
Cincinnati’s offensive line has had the luxury of going against Lawrence and the rest of the talented defensive line throughout training camp. They have performed well up to this point in the preseason, and Thursday night offers the offensive linemen an opportunity to go up against a new pass rush, which should be especially beneficial to the young depth pieces of the room.
Is the defense able to put pressure on the Lions like it has during training camp?
Al Golden’s defense has dialed up the pressure against Burrow and the rest of Cincinnati’s offense throughout training camp, disrupting their timing and forcing a handful of turnovers. But this is the first time the defense will face someone other than its own team, so how will the revamped defense fare against the Lions?
Expect Golden to keep the pressure on Detroit all night and the defense to come away with a couple of turnovers.