Team news: Cincinnati Bengals | Page 7

Jonathan Taylor update: Talks continue and, as expected, this will go down to the wire.

Related players: Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson

The Dolphins have been heavily linked to Taylor and according to reports, have already made an offer that was declined. Holder added he believes there to be a second team involved beyond the Dolphins, which would certainly change the dynamics. It remains to be seen what would happen if the Colts don't get a deal done and Taylor remains in Indy to start the season.

If Jonathan Taylor is unavailable, Zack Moss would likely be the starter whenever he’s cleared to return from a broken right arm. He’s expected back around the start of the season. Evan Hull looked pretty good on Thursday night, particularly in pass protection, and scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter. He had six carries for 25 yards and could be poised for more snaps alongside Richardson. Kenyan Drake was the third-stringer on Thursday, and while he scored on an 8-yard reception from Minshew, he didn’t do enough throughout the preseason to climb the depth chart and avoid the practice squad.

According to beat writer James Boyd, the theoretical RB depth chart is set to be Zack Moss, Evan Hull, and Deon Jackson. This is if Jonathan Taylor is moved or is forced to miss the first four games due to not being activated from the PUP list. This makes Moss an interesting late-round target, but it's likely a situation we want to try to avoid if we're not getting a full role out of Taylor.

Joe Mixon’s aggravated menacing case came back not guilty and the Bengals declared they are “pleased that this matter is now behind everyone.” The path now clears for his role as the starter on early downs with rookie Chase Brown behind him. The story of the third-down job has been dominated by the rise of Chris Evans. He’s shown well in pass protection and improved running the ball downhill over last year’s disappointing preseason to become the frontrunner with Trayveon Williams (ankle) sidelined.

Williams seemed to be the favorite to land the passing down job but his injury has allowed Evans to thrive. The story added that outside of one big run, neither Evans or Brown were able to pick up much ground running the ball in the preseason so far. It seems like Brown will backup Mixon for early down work.

Colts have given All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade, per league sources. Other teams now are weighing whether to make an offer to the Colts and what would be fair value.

Related players: Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson, Kenyan Drake

It would be great news for Taylor and his owners for a deal to be made so he can get back on the field. It remains to be seen if Taylor would play again for Indy. If a trade is made, the Colts running back room becomes interesting. Many forget Moss was pretty good to end the season last year, running for lines of 24-81-0, 12-65-0, 15-74-0 and 18-114-1 over the final four weeks. But it terms of fantasy value, Moss isn't exciting, and the favorite seems to be the rookie Hull, especially being drafted by the new coaching staff. It would seem until Moss returns from his arm injury, a split of Jackson and Hull seems most likely.

While speaking to reporters on Monday, HC Zac Taylor didn't exactly say when Joe Burrow would be back on the field but noted that he looks as good as he's ever seen him.

"He looks great. Physically just walking around, he looks probably as good as he's ever looked at this point," Taylor said. "That's a positive and we'll just go from there."

The story went on to say Taylor's comments do sound like Burrow is making the proper steps to be available in Week 1. On Sunday, offensive coordinator Brian Callahan also relayed positive news about Burrow's status, saying, "he looks like he is progressing the way he's supposed to." The Bengals feel it won't take Burrow long to get back up to speed when he does return.

Bengals running back Joe Mixon was found not guilty of aggravated menacing and will return to practice. There will very likely be no punishment from the NFL.

Related Players: Trayveon Williams, Chase Brown, Chris Evans

It seems the most likely scenario is that no suspension will be handed down from the NFL. The Cincinnati backfield will be Mixon's for a mostly-workhorse role, with former sixth-round pick Trayveon Williams the mostly likely No. 2.

Colts statement released a short while ago: “Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, however he had a personal matter arise. He is not currently with the team and his absence is excused.”

Related players: Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Deon Jackson, Kenyan Drake

Despite the turmoil and repeated reports of Taylor wanting out of Indianapolis, this doesn't appear to be anything more than what it seems. Taylor will hopefully be able to return to the team later this week and we will see strides towards the answer of whether he will be taking Week 1 snaps with the team.

On Monday, Tee Higgins was asked why he has limited his practice work.

“Just precaution . . . just out there talking to [wide receivers coach Troy Walters] going back and forth with him being able to take some team reps off and do individual but actually getting back in there doing everything with the guys feels good,” Higgins said, via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Higgins came down awkwardly during Monday's practice but avoided serious injury and didn't return. The story added any discussion about Higgins’ practice participation also includes a nod to his contract status. He’s in the last year of his rookie deal and joins quarterback Joe Burrow on the list of Bengals players who are looking for new deals before the start of the regular season. Burrow’s deal is a bigger priority, so it remains to be seen what the team can get done ahead of Week 1.

Patriots TE Mike Gesicki suffered a mild dislocated shoulder during yesterday’s practice, source said.

Related players: Hunter Henry

As Rapoport pointed out, Gesicki has been impressive so far in camp. Rapoport added while nothing is given, the hope is he’s back for Week 1 despite the AC joint injury. As we stated yesterday, we do rank Henry higher than Gesicki on our TE list.

Patriots TE Mike Gesicki left practice early with an upper body injury.

Related players: Hunter Henry

The post said Gesicki got hurt on a tackling drill against LB Jahlani Tavai. Gesicki walked off in pain with the head trainer grabbing under his shoulder pads, and he didn't return. While Gesicki was starting to get noticed at camp recently, we still rank him 31st on our TE list and below Henry, who is 20th.