There have been several Cincinnati Bengals developments in the last two weeks. The Bengals 2024 draft class is getting adjusted to Cincinnati. While several Bengals, including quarterback Joe Burrow, take part in off-season workouts.

Burrow is continuing to recuperate from a wrist injury. The Bengals quarterback was seen throwing at practice this week. Nearly six months since Burrow suffered that injury. Meanwhile, wide receiver Tyler Boyd joined the Tennessee Titans this week. He leaves Cincinnati after spending all eight of his NFL career seasons to date with the Bengals.

Boyd joins new Titans head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan joined Tennessee in January after five seasons as Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, wide receiver Tee Higgins’ future with the Bengals is uncertain. Higgins requested a trade after the Bengals franchise tagged him in February. Higgins and the Bengals have until July to work out a long-term deal.

The Bengals are striving to contend next season; after missing the playoffs last season. Through a season that could be compared to a Kentucky Derby undercard race last Saturday. A horse named Who Dey ran in the Pat Day Mile. Who Dey went into the race as one of the favorites with 7/2 odds. Nash was the favorite at race time with 5/2 odds. Who Dey struggled out of the gate. Falling back to sixth place a quarter mile into the race. Who Dey surged into contention as the race went into the homestretch.

Yet, just as the Bengals did in their division last season. Who Dey ultimately finished the race in fourth place. With Seize the Grey winning the race, along with an invitation to next week’s Preakness Stakes in Maryland. Nash finished in second and Vlahos finished in third. Memories of last season highlight a key concern for the Bengals heading into next season. Having a roster that is healthy enough to contend in the AFC North.

Cincinnati’s first round draft pick Amarius Mims raised some eyebrows during NFL Draft weekend. Given Mims lack of experience in college. The Georgia offensive tackle started in eight games in his three collegiate seasons. Due to injuries and being on a Georgia team with a stacked offensive line. The Bengals also drafted Iowa Football tight end Erick All. He struggled with an ACL injury last season. The Bengals have experience working with draftees dealing with injuries.

Consider former Bengals William Jackson III and Jonah Williams. Both were sidelined a few months after being drafted by preseason injuries. By contrast, Mims is concluding his college career in good health. Meanwhile, the Bengals will once again face the challenge of keeping Joe Burrow healthy during training camp this summer. A healthy preseason for Burrow has been elusive throughout his career.

Outside of his pandemic affected rookie season in 2020. Burrow has struggled with preseason health concerns throughout his NFL career. From a knee rehab in 2021, an appendectomy two years ago, to a strained calf last year. Meanwhile, Tyler Boyd’s departure presents an opportunity for Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton. Tight ends Erick All and Tanner McLachlan also give Burrow more passing options.

Cincinnati managed to address their big areas of concern during this draft position-wise. Including a defensive unit in need of improvements. Using five of their ten draft picks on defensive players. Adding defensive tackles Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson. Along with cornerback Josh Newton, defensive end Cedric Johnson and defensive back Daijan Anthony. On offense, Cincinnati drafted a center for good measure. Rounding out the draft class with Miami (FL) center Matt Lee.

The Bengals’ 2024 rookie development program is set to begin on May 13th. That will be part of a stretch of more offseason developments. Including the NFL’s schedule release, which is set for next Wednesday.