Bengals Depth Chart Preview: Ted Karras centers the offensive line with possible competition brewing behind him originally appeared on A to Z Sports.

While there is much change for the Cincinnati Bengals to navigate at the guard position, the status quo remains at center. 

There are only three true centers on the team and all of them are good enough to make an opening day roster. Cincinnati may only need two of them, which gives the coaching staff a potential decision to make. 

The next installment of our Bengals depth chart preview series takes a brief pit stop at the center of the offensive line.

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Bengals Center Depth Chart

The starter: Karras. You’ll find that this installment is as cut and dry as the quarterback position. Karras has snapped for Joe Burrow since 2022 and that’s not changing in 2025. The extension he signed last year locks him in as the starter for at least one more season.

First off the bench: Lee. One of last year’s seventh-round picks is backing the team’s oldest player and actually found a niche role outside this position last year as an inline blocker. Injuries put Lee on the field as a rookie, and only an injury to Karras would have him in the middle of Burrow’s protection.

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The rest: McLaughlin had a great chance to be drafted despite tearing his Achilles late in Ohio State’s championship season and is on track to be ready for the preseason. If he gets quality reps in, he has an outside shot at pushing Lee for the backup center spot. Lucas Patrick also has center experience if needed, but he’ll be focused on winning the right guard battle.

Who will make the 53-man roster: Karras, Lee. McLaughlin is a good prospect, but he may need a full year to fully recover from such an injury. Karras and Lee is a quality two-deep group at the position and all the active roster needs. 

Practice squad prediction: McLaughlin. There may be interest in McLaughlin if he hits waivers, but if 31 other teams ignored him during the 2025 NFL Draft and undrafted free agency, there’s a good chance the Bengals can keep him in the building.

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Previous Position Depth Chart Previews

Related: Bengals’ prized undrafted free agent receives noteworthy comparison that should interest every Cincinnati fan

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.