The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their three-day mandatory minicamp, which kicked off on Tuesday and will run through Thursday. As the team takes the field, several key players and storylines are emerging from their training sessions.

One notable player to keep an eye on is quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been diligently working on his recovery from a wrist injury. While Burrow continues to make progress, backup quarterback Dru Browning has been stepping up in his absence, showcasing his skills during practice.

In the quarterback room, Woodside and Lombardi are vying for a spot on the practice squad. Woodside, a player with extensive practice experience since 2018, holds the edge due to his previous game experience. However, the preseason games will ultimately determine their fate.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins, a vital playmaker for the Bengals, is expected to be absent during this week's minicamp. Meanwhile, fellow wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has expressed his intent to participate. The focus for the team will be on determining playing time and the utilization of players like Jones, Irwin, and Burton in the slot position. Additionally, there is excitement surrounding the potential of Division III standout Burgess to secure a spot on the practice squad.

While the Bengals boast impressive depth across several positions, linebacker seems to be an area where young potential backups are shining. Their depth is captivating enough to consider having an extra quality player at each position, except for punter. Undrafted rookies have a good chance of making the 53-man roster at the linebacker position.

Some of the draft picks, such as All and McLachlan, won't be able to participate during this week's minicamp due to injuries. McLachlan, however, is expected to be cleared for training camp, while All may start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Bengals remain confident in their abilities and have solid veteran players ahead of them.

As injuries and preseason evaluations come into play, the Bengals face some tough decisions in finalizing their Opening Day roster. The team is likely to have ten defensive linemen, ten defensive backs, and five linebackers. However, there may be some adjustments due to the new kickoff rule favoring linebackers over defensive backs.

The defensive line remains a position of strength for the Bengals, even in the absence of DJ Reader. With solid playoff veterans like Rankins and Hill, the team is focusing on the development of rookies Jenkins and Jackson. On the edge, players like Sample, Murphy, and Ossai are expected to contribute significantly.

In the linebacker corps, veterans Bachie and Harper are facing competition from promising undrafted rookies Casey and Njongmeta, who have shown potential on special teams.

In the secondary, injuries will play a critical role in determining the final roster. Players like Ivey and Anderson are recovering from ACL injuries, and their availability remains uncertain. However, the Bengals are confident in their safety trio of Bell, Stone, and Battle, along with the speed and experience of Taylor-Britt, Turner, and Hilton in the cornerback positions.

As the minicamp rolls on and the team prepares for preseason games, the Bengals are paying close attention to players like Newton, Hill, and Davis, who are vying for various roles within the secondary.

Lastly, the kicking game sees competition between McNamara, who brings a strong leg, and Robbins, who boasts valuable experience.

As the minicamp progresses, the Bengals will continue to evaluate their roster, keeping an eye on injuries, preseason performances, and position battles. The coaching staff aims to assemble the most formidable team ahead of the upcoming season.