New England Patriots practice squad member, Michael Jordan, may find himself playing a crucial role in the team's upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots, plagued by questions along their offensive line, are considering calling upon Jordan to step up and contribute on Sunday. This potential return to the starting lineup holds special significance for Jordan as it marks a homecoming of sorts. Born in Cincinnati, he played college football at Ohio State and began his NFL career with his childhood team, the Bengals.

For the 27-year-old Jordan, the game against the Bengals represents a return to his football roots and carries sentimental value. In the locker room this week, he reflected on his parents' wise words, stating, "One of the things that my parents always told me is that life always comes full circle. So, I feel like it's a full-circle moment and certainly a great opportunity."

Jordan, a former 41-game starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes, was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite starting a combined 19 games in his first two seasons as a professional player, the Bengals made the decision to release him ahead of his third year. He quickly found a new home with the Carolina Panthers, where he added 10 more starts to his NFL résumé before ultimately taking on a backup role.

After spending the 2023 season on the Green Bay Packers' practice squad, Jordan joined the New England Patriots via a futures contract this offseason. Throughout the summer, he primarily trained with the second-stringers along the interior offensive line. Although initially released from the Patriots' 53-man roster, Jordan made his return to the team as a member of the practice squad.

With starting left guard Sidy Sow sidelined due to an ankle injury, Jordan is being considered for his debut with the Patriots against the Bengals. In practice leading up to the game, he has been seen rotating in and out of the starting group alongside fellow backup Nick Leverett. The final decision on who will start and the overall effectiveness of the Patriots' offensive line remains to be seen.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Jordan exudes confidence in his position group's ability to prove their doubters wrong. "We have an excellent group of guys," he stated. "Everybody shows up ready to work. We've been like that since OTAs. It feels amazing, but also: we shut out outside noise. Nothing matters what anyone says. People are going to love you, they're going to hate you. But at the end of the day they are going to watch, because that's all they can do."

As the Patriots prepare for their regular season opener against the Bengals, all eyes will be on Michael Jordan as he returns to Cincinnati, the place where his football journey began, ready to seize this great opportunity and make a significant impact on the Patriots' offensive line.