At some point, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will need to make a call regarding the crowded WR group. He's just happy he doesn't need to make cuts today.
“It's a tough call at that position right now,” Gruden said. “If we had to make the decision right now I wouldn't want to be in the room because I wouldn't want to get rid of any of them. I think they are all doing everything we ask, they are all making plays and are all doing things we think can help us win.”
The last two days evolved into a showcase for the young talent. Fifth-round pick Marvin Jones, coming off a huge Tuesday, made another stretch of impressive catches, including an acrobatic back-shoulder reception. Third-round pick Mohamed Sanu whipped CB Brandon Ghee repeatedly in one-on-one red zone while corralling a nice reception down the sideline in 11-on-11.
Still, A.J. Green and Andrew Hawkins could be considered the most consistent of the group and adding to the dilemma facing Gruden and Marvin Lewis.
“You don't want to make any judgments on any receivers until the final preseason game is done and the practices are over and done with,” Gruden said. “Some guys are going to be up and down and then up. You want to take the guys who are steady and accountable and perform on a consistent basis daily not just one great day or two great days.”
The only receiver without great days to this point is Jordan Shipley. Recently cleared from last year's ACL tear, he's not shown the explosion coming out of his breaks that helped him to lead AFC rookies in receiving yards in 2010. Competing for a limited number of spots, his position is far from guaranteed.
“He's a little bit behind, not mentally but physically,” Gruden said. “The more he gets involved and the more comfortable he feels I think he'll be fine. I don't think he's where he was before he got the injury; yeah, not saying he won't be in a week or two or three.”
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. on Twitter for real-time updates from Bengals training camp at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.
