Bengals Lose TE Kelly For Season: Utecht KOed

[Coachnorm]

The Bengals confirmed Monday that Reginald Kelly has ruptured his Achilles' tendon and will have surgery on Wednesday, the Associated Press reports. He is expected to miss at least six months.Kelly is a blocking type so QB protection and rushing around the Edge is hurt. But the Bengals might actually throw to their TEs more as a result.

 

[DearbornDolfan]

The Bengals have Coffman and I think most expected him to be a starter within three years, but this bumps that schedule up a bit.

 

[Miller]

the issue is that Coffman and Utecht the other Bengals TE are primarily pass catching TE that both leave a lot to be desired as a blocker.....Kelly is basically a pure run blocking TE and was good at that role. Replacing that won't be easy.

 

[DearbornDolfan]

So the team goes to more spread sets and run more lead draws. It's not like the production can't be replaced in other ways. Or, hell, if run blocking is that important find a backup linemen with decent hands and throw him in as a blocking TE.

 

[Sgt John]

Off all the TEs Coffman is the probably the best blocker left. Go with the young man.

 

[storminn0rm]

is this going to hinder cedric benson's production at all this season?

 

[Coachnorm]

The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals TE Ben Utecht (concussion) suffered a concussion during the team's afternoon practice Wednesday, Aug. 5, according to public relations director Jack Brennan.

If you win a contest to be an NFL player for a day don't ask to be a Bengals TE.

 

[Coachnorm]

is this going to hinder cedric benson's production at all this season?

Qood Question, A great blocking TE is useful for sealing off the edge for running around the end. Is this really a Benson strength? I must admit I don't know. Miller will probably have a better analysis about this.

 

[Miller]

So the team goes to more spread sets and run more lead draws. It's not like the production can't be replaced in other ways. Or, hell, if run blocking is that important find a backup linemen with decent hands and throw him in as a blocking TE.

Kinda what they will be doing, only it will be Daniel Coats who is a TE/FB, decent blocker.

This is not a death blow, but Kelly is quietly one of the best blocking TE's in the league so it does suck, but they have plenty of WR's and 3 WR sets are no uncommon in Cincy.