Bengals Officially Add Veteran Guard Dalton Risner to Strengthen O-Line for Joe Burrow
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals officially announced the signing of veteran offensive guard Dalton Risner on Thursday, bringing in a key reinforcement for their offensive line ahead of the regular season.
Risner, who visited and worked out with the team last week, signed his deal on Wednesday and was present at Thursday’s practice.
He joins a guard rotation that includes Lucas Patrick and rookie Jalen Rivers. With starter Cordell Volson sidelined for the season due to a shoulder injury, the Bengals were looking to add experience and stability to the interior of their line.
The 30-year-old Risner brings a wealth of experience, having started 81 regular-season games and played more than 5,000 NFL snaps over his six-year career. According to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t surrendered a sack since 2022 — a streak spanning 25 games.
“He’s going to be a big help,” said left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in an interview with FOX 19’s Joe Danneman. “Everyone knows what he’s done in the league. I even remember him back in college at Kansas State. He’s always been that guy. I’m excited to finally meet him and start working together.”
Risner only met Brown and the rest of the offensive line group in person on Thursday. As of now, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has not named a starting right guard — the only remaining offensive starting job yet to be decided with just 10 days until the season opener.
“Another veteran player who’s played a lot of winning football,” Taylor said. “It’s great to add someone with that kind of experience.”
While Taylor confirmed Risner will be used at guard, he didn’t specify whether the veteran would be competing for the right guard spot immediately. Regardless, Risner gives Cincinnati critical depth and a potential starter at a position of need.
To make room for Risner on the 53-man roster, the Bengals waived defensive tackle Eric Gregory.
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