The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the news surrounding tight end Erick All Jr. is promising. After a cautious approach during training camp, head coach Zac Taylor has confirmed that All will not face any restrictions when the regular season begins.
During a recent discussion with Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Taylor was presented with two options regarding All's participation: either a full workload or a gradual increase based on his recovery from injury. Taylor decisively chose the first option, indicating that All will be fully integrated into the game plan from the outset.
This decision comes as a relief for All, who expressed concerns about potentially being limited in his return to action. After playing only six snaps during the preseason, he was uncertain about his role moving forward. “Honestly, I had no idea,” All admitted. “I kind of got worried they were going to (limit me). I’m glad they are not doing that.” His eagerness to contribute is evident, and he feels confident in his recovery, stating he feels “100 percent, for sure,” despite acknowledging that his knee can feel different on some days.
All's journey back to the field has been challenging. He suffered a torn ACL in November 2024, which led to complications that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025 season. This offseason, the Bengals took a careful approach to his rehabilitation, gradually increasing his workload as he regained strength and confidence in his knee.
With All fully cleared and ready to play, the Bengals are poised to enhance their offensive strategy. His dual-threat capability as both a blocker and receiver provides the team with versatile options, allowing them to run plays from under center and effectively utilize play action. This versatility was a significant asset during his rookie season, and Taylor is eager to see how much All can contribute to the Bengals' offense this year.
As the Bengals prepare for their matchup against the Buccaneers, the inclusion of a healthy and unrestricted Erick All Jr. could be a game-changer. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches will be crucial as Cincinnati aims to start the season on a high note and build momentum in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
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