Ohio State product Price perseveres in role with Bengals
The past two seasons haven’t been smooth sailing for Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Billy Price.
Price lost a position battle to center Trey Hopkins during training camp last year. He was subsequently penciled in as the Bengals’ backup interior lineman. After a demotion and a position switch, the 2018 first-round pick could have understandably requested a trade. Yet he took his lesser role in stride, while still having the desire to start at his preferred center position.
He got another opportunity to start at center in Week 8 last Sunday when Hopkins was out with a concussion. It was Price’s first start at center since the 2018 season.
“It just goes to show you the work, and this process, is long. Again, you’ve got highs and lows, and when the opportunity comes, take advantage of that,” Price said. “And don’t take a day for granted.”
The former Ohio State standout performed well against the Tennessee Titans. He allowed no sacks and no pressures while playing the entire game at center. The Bengals’ offensive line, without any Week 1 starters, didn’t allow a sack for the first time all season. Quarterback Joe Burrow was hit only twice. It was an inspiring performance by the entire line, and Price was right in the middle of it all. In fact, the 6-foot-4, 310pound lineman was awarded a game ball for his work.
“It means a lot,” Price said of winning a game ball. “It’s respectable to understand my value in this organization. I definitely appreciate that. Over the past two years, this process, the highs, the lows, it’s nice to be rewarded. But there’s a lot more work to be done.”
Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised the offensive line for its play against Tennessee and specifically mentioned Price.
“He’s about everything we want our players to be about. He’s a guy who came in with expectations and never wavered from that. His opportunity hasn’t always been exactly what he thought it would be, but he comes in with a smile on his face every day and goes to work,” Taylor said. “He encourages everybody, (saying) ‘What can I do to get better? Do you need me to play on the scout team? Do you need me to play guard?’ His personality has never wavered for one second.
“I couldn’t be happier for Billy because he’s earned this opportunity. You never know how things are going to shake out, but I’m really proud of the person, the man and the player he is. Our guys can learn a lot from Billy.”
Price is expected to resume his backup role after the team’s bye week. Hopkins is expected back in Week 10, Michael Jordan (illness) is due back at left guard and Xavier Su’a-filo (ankle) is on track to return at right guard.
Price is projected to be the swing interior lineman the rest of the way. He’s played in 71 snaps at right guard and 126 snaps at center this season. He’s not thrilled to be a backup, but he’s certain he’ll be ready when his number is called again.