Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, February 29, 2024. Mississippi State defensive lineman Cedric Johnson (DL39) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
With Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Jeff Gunter deciding to retire from the NFL, the next two weeks will open up a big opportunity for sixth-round rookie Cedric Johnson.
Gunter’s retirement was a shocking announcement made by the team on Wednesday. The 2022 seventh-round draft pick was a success story who initially made the roster and managed to stay with the team. It seemed likely he would return after Cam Sample suffered a season-ending injury this summer.
Instead, the Bengals are already struggling with defensive depth even without Gunter, and the team will be hoping to keep players like Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai healthy and fresh heading into the regular season.
That means Johnson will have a ton of work to do in the two remaining preseason games and remaining practices of training camp.
The Mississippi native has already shown flashes of flash in camp, so continuing to move in the right direction and proving he can hold his own in a run attack will be key to making the roster.
The Bengals will still be looking to acquire a free agent at some point, at least to fill the summer with games before the regular season begins, but for Johnson, Gunter’s sudden departure gives him an added layer of depth and attention as the coaching staff considers making final cuts.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals rookie gets big chance after veteran’s surprise retirement