CINCINNATI, Ohio — One of the Cincinnati Bengals' most experienced offensive linemen is likely done for the 2025 NFL season.
Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Wednesday, Aug. 20, that guard Cordell Volson will have shoulder surgery and is likely to be out for the year.
Volson, a fourth-round pick in 2022 out of North Dakota State, has started in 48 of 50 games over his three seasons.
“Right now that’s a tough one for him. He’s been a guy that’s really worked hard for us,” Taylor said.
The timing couldn’t be worse for an offensive line that was already navigating changes. When asked about the team potentially needing more depth at guard following Volson’s injury, Taylor acknowledged the challenge: “We’re still working through it. You know, we got guys competing for a lot of the jobs there and so I’m excited to see how that shakes out over the next two weeks.”
Taylor’s comments were particularly notable for the personal dimension he brought to the discussion. In a league where players are often reduced to their position and jersey number, Taylor spent considerable time highlighting Volson’s character and contributions to the team culture.
“That’s a hard one because he’s been a guy, he’s been a starter for us, he’s been a backup for us,” Taylor explained. “All he’s ever done is come to work and try to be the best Cincinnati Bengal he can be and just not always agreeing with what we’re doing, you know, in terms of him not being a starter anymore, but just handled it in such a professional way and just been a team player through and through, and that’s what he’s been his entire life.”
This glimpse into Volson’s professionalism — particularly how he handled being moved out of the starting lineup — paints a picture of a player whose value transcends his on-field contributions. In an era where players frequently demand trades or create public discord when demoted, Volson’s response stands as a powerful counterexample.
Taylor continued, his voice carrying a weight not typically heard when discussing roster adjustments: “But Cordell’s just feels a little different because of what he’s given to us and his approach every day. And you want everybody to have that same approach. And so that’s difficult news for him to have to deal with.”
The statement “feels a little different” speaks volumes about the human element that exists beneath the business of football. While coaches must constantly make cold, calculated decisions about playing time and roster spots, Taylor’s comments remind us that these decisions affect real people with real dedication to their craft and their teammates.
From a football perspective, the Bengals will need to adjust their offensive line plans. Players like rookie undrafted free agent Jalen Rivers, who Taylor noted showed “some good things” at guard while needing to “continue to improve as the game went on,” may be called upon to step up. The coach also mentioned veteran Cody Ford, who missed Monday’s preseason game vs. the Commanders due to injury, as another potential option who could get “another look at guard.”
As training camp progresses toward final roster decisions, the Bengals face the challenge of not just replacing Volson’s versatility as both a starter and backup, but also his exemplary professionalism — a quality Taylor clearly wishes was more universal.
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