“NOOOOO”: Cincinnati Bengals Fans React to Right Guard Decision

The Cincinnati Bengals’ improved offensive line unit aims to keep Joe Burrow upright in 2025. The O-line currently has four of the ideal five starting positions filled in, with one vacancy along the interior. Throughout the offseason, the Bengals have held an intense competition between four players for the starting right guard job.

Here are the four Cincinnati Bengals competitors

The first player competing for the starting job is Lucas Patrick. The 32-year-old veteran missed the early part of training camp due to a leg injury, but it didn’t impact his chances. Patrick has since received most of the first-team reps, started in the first two preseason games, and sat out for the final preseason matchup.

The second player contending for the starting job is Cody Ford. He was considered the early favorite to start camp with Lucas Patrick sidelined. However, an injury to Ford caused him to not only miss the final two preseason games but to fall out of the running.

The third player in the mix is Jalen Rivers. The fifth-round rookie made a late push for the starting gig after moving to guard following the first preseason game. Rivers split first-team reps later in camp and earned a start in the final preseason matchup.

The fourth and final player vying for the starting job is Dalton Risner. The 30-year-old veteran, who has the most starting experience out of the bunch with 81 career regular-season starts, signed with the Bengals last week. Given Risner’s late arrival, he may need extra time to get up to speed.

Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals: Land Talented Pass Protector for 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals make a huge decision at RG

During Wednesday’s press conference, Zac Taylor announced Lucas Patrick as the starting right guard over Dalton Risner, Jalen Rivers, and Cody Ford, as reported by Jeremy Rauch of FOX 19. As a result, the 32-year-old veteran will make his regular-season debut against the Cleveland Browns’ interior defensive line, led by fifth overall pick Mason Graham. This allows Risner more time to get up to speed and potentially dethrone Patrick later on.

Zac Taylor confirms Lucas Patrick will start at right guard. #Bengals @FOX19

— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) September 3, 2025

Fans react to the news

Nooooo

— Jason Tostevin (@jasontostevin) September 3, 2025

NOOOOOOOOOO

— Dylan Jordan 🐺 (@DylHerro) September 3, 2025

Pray for Joe

— … (@grassfairy8) September 3, 2025

Yikes

— Dillon Leisure (@DillonLeisure) September 3, 2025

I believe it’s just because Risner is not quite up to speed yet. Once he gets there, he’ll be starting.

— Kevin Rush 🇺🇸 (@KevRush1965) September 3, 2025

Risner will be in by 2nd half

— AZ Bengal Fan (@tjohn8808) September 3, 2025

That’s fine.

— Dr. ShadowSchu (@SchuShadow) September 3, 2025

It better work! Or else he’s Firedddd. Vince McMahon voice

— JULYYYY_14!⚪️ (@SirDom95) September 3, 2025

Cooked before the season opener.

— Andrew (@mylifedotnet) September 3, 2025

Doesn’t mean he’ll be in there the whole game.

— SlapChop 🏈 (@B2theRidges) September 3, 2025

Insane considering he’s the 3rd best RG on the team

— gabe (@313Genius) September 3, 2025

Won’t last long. Everyone take a deep breath

— Grippo (@GaryGrippoli) September 3, 2025

LOL

— Tyler (@_Its_Legacy_) September 3, 2025

Mason graham gonna feast

— Austin (@overlycle) September 3, 2025

vote of confidence in Patrick’s ability to stabilize a unit that’s been in flux all offseason

— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) September 3, 2025

For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:

Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko, and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on LinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.

Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.