The left tackle position has been a key talking point in Cincinnati this offseason with the signing of Orlando Brown Jr. leaving Jonah Williams‘ future in question. The team’s 2022 starter on the other side of the line provided an encouraging update on his status heading into next season. 
Right tackle La’el Collins is in the process of rehabbing his left knee after suffering ACL and MCL tears in Week 16. That injury put an end to his debut Bengals campaign, and left him facing a lengthy recovery process. His remarks on the matter point to a return to full health, albeit at an unknown point in the 2023 season.
“I can’t give you a timetable,” Collins said, via ESPN’s Ben Baby. “I’m not the guy that makes the ultimate decision. But at the end of the day, I feel like if I had to play today, I could put a brace on it and I could go to work. I know my knee is locked in and stable… I feel great.”
The 29-year-old signed in Cincinnati on a three-year, $21MM deal as part of the team’s continuing effort to improve their offensive front. Collins joined the Bengals with high expectations given his level of play with the Cowboys, but he was unable to deliver on them. The former UDFA was strong in run blocking but struggled considerably in pass protection, leaving him ranked 68th out of 81 qualifying tackles, per PFF.
The Bengals have continued to be aggressive in their pursuit of upgrading the offensive line, inking Brown to a four-year, $64MM contract to take over as their starting left tackle. In response, Williams requested a trade, but if the team elects to keep him in the fold, the former first-rounder could see himself in a training camp competition for the starting RT spot. Collins could be central to that, if his recovery continues on its current path.
“With everything we have moving forward right now with the rehab and everything, too, I know I’m going to go into this season a whole lot healthier than I was last year,” he said. “I think it’s going to be night and day.”
Collins was hurt all of last season and you could see it in every rep he took. Last thing Bengals can do is allow him to come back fast. I’m looking for his to return 2nd half of the season 100% healthy, in shape and ready to go. If a RT were to fall to the Bengals in round 1, then I’d be all for trading Jonah for no less than a 3rd round pick. Otherwise, that salary has already been accounted for so let him compete at RT and backup LT. If he’s going to throw a fit, it’ll only hurt his value as a FA next year. Bengals have a lot of great depth on the O-line. This is all great “problems” to have
The Bengals won’t get a 3rd for Williams. I wouldn’t say their depth is great. It was terrible against the Chiefs.
It is good news regarding Collins but I am hopeful Bengals are going to give Jackson Carman opportunity to win the RT job while Collins is out. Carman played well at end of season at LT and has showed up for OTAs in great shape. I’d they could get value for Jonah Williams I am fine with trading him. If Bengals draft an offensive lineman I think it needs to me an interior lineman more than a tackle. With first pick in would go best player available whatever position accept QB..