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Bengals say rookie Russell Bodine opening day starter

Bengals Blog

Paul Dehner Jr., Cincinnati 5:13 p.m. EDT August 18, 2014

(Photo: Jeff Swinger The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander on Monday basically named rookie Russell Bodine as the team's starting center for the regular-season opener Sept. 7 in Baltimore.

Bodine, a fourth-round pick, has worked with the first team since training camp began and started each of the first two preseason games.

Alexander was asked specifically that if the regular season started this week if he felt confident that Bodine was ready to play.

"It doesn't matter how I feel, it's what's going to be," said Alexander. "That kid has so much talent; he's loaded with talent. He has a tough physical demeanor and he can block the big nose guards in our division. He's exactly the type of player we've been looking for."

Alexander said he has no plans to get either possible backup – Mike Pollak or Trevor Robinson – snaps with the first team.

"Right now it's full speed ahead with Bodine," said Alexander.

Right tackle Andre Smith also practiced with the first team on Monday, according to Alexander, after not playing in either of the first two preseason games and returning to practice on a limited basis last week after missing time due to the NFL's concussion protocol.

Alexander said he was unsure if Smith would play in Sunday's preseason game in Arizona.

"We'll have to see how this week goes," he said. "(It was a step in right direction Monday), but they didn't have pads."

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/blogs/2014/08/18/bengals-say-rookie-russell-bodine-opening-day-starter/14253955/