Two former Buckeyes are suiting up along the offensive line in Cincinnati. On Sunday, new Bengals' head coach Zac Taylor unveiled his starters for the week-one matchup against the Seahawks. It was a nice bit of good news for rookie Michael Jordan, but former first-rounder Billy Price will now be serving in a backup role.
Zac Taylor just announced the #Bengals starting OL vs Seattle:
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) August 25, 2019
LT Cordy Glenn
LG Michael Jordan
C Trey Hopkins
RG John Miller
RR Bobby Hart
Jordan left Columbus after his junior season and was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft. He's been impressive so far in the preseason and will now settle in at the left guard slot. Jordan started his Ohio State career at guard before transitioning over to center. His father is originally from Cincinnati.
Rookie Michael Jordan reacts to being named starting left guard.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 25, 2019
"My teammates push me to get better and hopefully I help them get better too."#Bengals Locker Room | @GEICO pic.twitter.com/fLLSfUnYAJ
It's been a tough road for Billy Price after being selected No. 21 overall back in 2018. He suffered a pectoral injury at the NFL combine but the Bengals kept the faith on Draft day. As a rookie he started the first two games at center before missing the next six contests with a foot injury. Price returned in Week 10 and started the rest of the season.
Billy Price lost the starting center job to Trey Hopkins. He says you can be upset and "go get a bottle of whiskey and put yourself in a dark dirty hole" or get better and help this team win. He's picking the 2nd option. @WLWT #Bengals pic.twitter.com/J29B4joZts
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) August 25, 2019
The Bengals have taken a number of hits to an offensive line that's been considered one of the worst in the league. First-round pick Jonah Williams was in line for a starting role before suffering a shoulder injury that will sideline him for the 2019 season. Price is now expected to serve in a backup role, but his versatility is something that should certainly work in his favor.
The Cincinnati Bengals open the season at Seattle on Sept. 8.
