The Cincinnati Bengals, just like fans, exited another massive loss with a silver lining to clutch thanks to a rookie.
Jalen Rivers, a fifth-rounder this year, was thrust into action in Denver against the Broncos and looked poised in his first start. Now, he’s got another start to make and the very public praise of Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
“In his first start on the road to Denver against that front, I was pleased with what Jalen did and I think he continued to build off of that,” Taylor said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “And I really liked his demeanor throughout the game.”
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The former Miami Hurricanes lineman didn’t get the hype of fellow rookie and Bengals third-rounder Dylan Fairchild, yet Rivers will start on the same line as him on Sunday against the Detroit Lions all the same.
Rivers was initially thrown into the lineup after injuries caused the Bengals to pivot from Lucas Patrick to quick free-agent signee Dalton Risner.
With Joe Burrow out and the season flailing anyway, now would be a good time to find out if the Bengals have two starting long-term guards on their hands. Rivers, at least for now, continues to show some serious hints he might have what it takes.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals rookie earns another start in Week 5 vs. Lions
