The two most interesting revelations following the unveiling of the first depth chart of the season were at wide receiver and defensive end.
DE Carlos Dunlap was listed as the starter at defensive end ahead of veteran Robert Geathers, and WR Brandon Tate owned the hotly contested starting spot opposite A.J. Green.
Marvin Lewis downplayed the first depth chart, noting how little it means in the long run. Certainly, Tate and Dunlap viewed it that way. In fact, Dunlap was so curious about his position on the document that one day later he was unaware it had even been released.
He's been adamant about his goal to shift from pass-rush specialist to every-down starter, but he mostly attributes his current spot to the knee injury that kept Geathers out since the first day of camp.
Still, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wasn't pushing all the reasoning onto the injury.
“So far (Dunlap's) been very good,” Zimmer said. “He's done everything right. I am still knocking on wood, but I'm happy. Last year it took him about four days before he started going down, and right now it's been eight, nine days and he's still going in the right direction.”
For Tate, who caught a touchdown pass in the mock game Sunday, the team appears bound to rotate the receivers all year regardless of who is named the starter. While happy to see his name listed at the top, he didn't give much credence to the label.
“It didn’t mean anything,” said Tate, who didn't take a snap at WR last year. “It’s too early for all that. Everybody’s got to go out and earn their spot. We’ve got preseason games coming up.”
Sanu catching on: WR Mohamed Sanu will not only suit up for his first NFL game on Friday against the Jets, this will be the first time he's been in an NFL stadium for a game in his life.
The Rutgers product never attended an NFL game growing up, and he will suit up at Paul Brown Stadium for the first time Friday. He appears more ready than ever after his best practice of camp Wednesday. Sanu caught two nice passes down the sidelines from Andy Dalton and was impressive in 11 on 11.
The learning curve came in steeper for Sanu than most; the Bengals have asked him to learn three positions at once. He's working in the slot and playing both outside receiver spots. Dealing with a playbook much deeper than he experienced in New Jersey, transitioning meant enduring growing pains.
“Sometimes I make a mistake and I am in and forget I'm the Z receiver and I run the X route,” he said. “You just got to be a little bit more focused and make sure you are dialed in.”
Jones back in the pack: Adam Jones returned to practice for the first time in over a week on Tuesday. He was nursing a strained calf but took part in nearly every aspect of practice.
Jones should be able to play Friday against the Jets.
Micah on the move: Micah Johnson has never played a down of defensive end in his life, but he will be doing just that for the Bengals. The college free agent who bounced around the Dolphins and Chiefs in 2010 before ending last year on Cincinnati's practice squad is moving from his natural linebacker position to provide depth at DE.
The Bengals want to find a way he can contribute, and he will share snaps at both positions. With a crowded battle at linebacker, the move means the spots are running out and the team is looking for another way he could make the roster.
“We're trying to figure out exactly what he can do,” Zimmer said. “We figure the more he can do will help his chances.”
The same plan is being put in place for Dontay Moch, who thrived as a defensive end at Nevada. He racked up 30 sacks there but came to the NFL undersized for the position at 245 pounds. The 2010 third-round pick's transition to linebacker has been stunted by injuries as he's yet to make an impact.
This looks to be his final chance to salvage a spot in the organization. The precedent exists he would be let go if production doesn't occur this preseason. Cincinnati has cut a third-round selection from the previous year each of the past two seasons. In 2010 they cut 2009 third-round pick TE Chase Coffman; in 2011, they cut 2010 third-rounder CB Brandon Ghee. Both of those cleared waivers and landed on the practice squad.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for updates from Bengals training camp on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.