Bengals appear to have finalized their starters at guard

As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals don’t figure to take any massive risks with the starting offensive line in front of Joe Burrow for Week 1.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor told the media that while nothing is “confirmed,” the starting offensive line during Sunday’s preseason game will only play as long as Burrow plays.

That includes returning-from-injury center Trey Hopkins, as well as Quinton Spain and Xavier Su’a-Filo at the guard spots.

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com provided some analysis on the younger guys:

“It seems like they’re letting the young guards develop instead of wedging them into the lineup as the opener closes in…On the right, second-rounder Jackson Carman is getting good marks for progressing and third-year man Michael Jordan is looking to regain his starting spot at the opening of training camp.”

In short, the Bengals will play it safe and go with veteran names at both guard spots to start the season. The fast rise for fourth-rounder D’Ante Smith has been fun and Michael Jordan looks improved compared to last year, but veterans will get the nod.

While everything remains subject to change between now and the opener, it would be a pretty dramatic development that will shake up the projected starting five now.