Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Zeitler expected to return this week
Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) during work outs at mini camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals talented guard Kevin Zeitler has been out since Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens with a concussion, but he’s finally expected to make his return to the team for this week’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Zeitler is an incredibly impressive run blocker to watch, and he has done an amazing job of opening up holes for BenJarvus Green-Ellis in Cincy. When he was in college, Zeitler was a star on a fantastic Wisconsin offensive line, which made Montee Ball’s job even easier. In fact, Zeitler was one of the stars of one of the greatest offensive lines in college football history, and his road-grating ways have certainly translated well in the NFL.
According to Bengals official site beat writer Geoff Hobson, head coach Marvin Lewis stated that Zeitler expects to play this week against the Colts, and this is definitely great news for the Bengals. The second-year starting right guard is a key part of the offense, and the 23-year-old is one of the NFL’s most talented run blockers. His return will further help BJGE and electrifying rookie Giovani Bernard, and Zeitler is coming back into the fold at the right time.
Despite Zeitler’s absence, the Bengals had plenty of success running the football yesterday, and one of their biggest goals it have a highly effective ground game. It’s important in cold-weather football, and it’s also important in order to make sure that mercurial quarterback Andy Dalton is getting major support from a clicking ground game. Bernard and Green-Ellis make a great tandem at RB, since they are polar opposites and can also contribute heavily in the passing game. And with a good line in front of them, the Bengals offense will be that much more complete.