Bengals validate Zac Taylor and are one step closer towards addressing their biggest need

Every free agent defensive tackle has value to the Cincinnati Bengals right now with both B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins on the mend with hamstring injuries . A few of them are already in town for a chance at a roster spot.

Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Bengals are working out veteran defensive tackles such as Lawrence Guy and Albert Huggins.

This doesn't come as a surprise. Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Monday that there were already discussions regarding bringing in outside help at the position.

"We've talked about that upstairs," Taylor said Monday referring to the personnel department. "We'll just see where the week takes us."

The week has taken them to seeing what Guy and Huggins can bring to the table. Guy, a 12-year veteran, most recently played for the New England Patriots last season and racked up 38 tackles. He graded out at 47.3 against the run according to Pro Football Focus, but finished the year better than he started.

Huggins was at least on a roster this training camp with the Dallas Cowboys, but his most notable moment featured him egregiously knocking over a member of the Los Angeles Rams training staff during a joint practice . He was released by the Cowboys 12 days later. He posted 22 tackles for the Atlanta Falcons last season and was graded at 47.0 against the run.

If either are to join the team, the most likely route the Bengals will take is adding them to the practice squad first. NFL clubs are allowed to elevate practice squad players up to three times to the active roster for game days during the season.

By signing a veteran to the practice squad, the Bengals can add depth at the position for almost a month without needing to remove anyone from the active roster. All they'd have to do is swap out one of their own practice squad players.

Alternatively, if Hill or Rankins need a while to recover, the team could place one of them on the Reserve/Injured list. That would free up a spot for a free agent replacement.

The Bengals have an extra day to prepare for Monday night's game against the Washington Commanders. Their first practice of the week will be Thursday, so we should have news about an addition by then.

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