When the Bengals re-signed cornerback Darqueze Dennard in March, they didn't know that he might be having arthroscopic surgery on his knee, but that’s just how these things go sometimes.
Geoff Hobson of the team’s website reports that the Bengals knew that a scope was a possibility for the 2014 first-round pick when they agreed on a new deal. Everyone waited to see how his knee responded to offseason workouts before the decision was made to have the operation.
Per Hobson, the hope is that Dennard is well enough to return to the field for the team’s mandatory minicamp in mid-June. If not, he should be fully recovered well ahead of training camp this summer.
Knee injuries are always a tough one for players, so it is at least a good sign the Bengals expect him to be back at some point during the offseason programs to help learn the new defense.
Dre Kirkpatrick, William Jackson and B.W. Webb will stand as the top corners until Dennard is ready to resume on-field activities.
Darius Phillips will return after as well after replacing the injured Dennard multiple times last year during his rookie season. Hopefully he will continue to develop into a more consistent player going into his second year.
Despite all this, it should be safe to assume that Dennard will be the Week 1 starter at his old position. He has been very reliable there and has been one of the most sure-tacklers at the cornerback position over the past couple of seasons.
It is just a matter of just how quickly can Dennard get back to 100%.
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