When a Redwood Falls

Reggie Kelly’s injury is a big deal and here’s why.

The most vulnerable aspect to the Bengals is their blocking and they just lost arguably their best blocker on the team. He can line up on either side of the line to assist the offensive tackles, and is veteran enough to know how to deal with the vicious, sack-hungry outside linebackers of the AFC North. With the absence of Andre Smith at training camp, and an already young, shaky offensive line projected to start in Week 1, the last thing the Bengals needed to lose was a tight end who could block like a lineman.

There should be some strategy fallout from such a development. First, rookie pass-catcher, Chase Coffman, will be emphasized more at tight end and could see more pre-season action, though it would be a shame if he too were hurt before the season began. Also, Ben Utecht should now have ample opportunity to redeem himself after an underwhelming debut season with the Bengals. Lastly, offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski, might adjust to more spread formations featuring the team’s many capable receivers, most notably Chris Henry, who are too often found standing idly along the sidelines chatting, while double tight-end formations struggle mightily on the field for pointless three-yard runs.

The Bengals also may have people in place outside of other NFL training camps in hopes of signing a freshly cut tight-end as he pull away from their former team’s camp facility. A veteran like Alge Crumpler would be golden after such a setback. Worthwhile training-camp scrap-heap finds are rare and unpredictable, but one can dream, can’t they?

The Bengals still have grunts like Daniel Coates and their trio of fullbacks, but those are just futon mattresses that coaches fill their team with; they’re employed for practices and emergency situations only. Reggie Kelly was no futon mattress. He was a big part of the Bengals future running game and of their pass-protection. The other guys will have some tough blocking to make up for, especially Coates who will now have the chance to prove that he’s more than just fabric and stuffing.

Mojokong—Mr. Smith, Mr. Andre Smith, please report to training camp. Please report to training camp. Thank you.