Dax Hill hopes to be ready for Day 1 of training camp following ACL injury

The former first-round pick isn’t sure what to expect once he returns but is hopeful of being out there for Day 1 of camp.

The Cincinnati Bengals have quite an interesting situation on the defensive side of the football this offseason.

NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson is currently not practicing in hopes of a massive contract extension with the Bengals.

Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is also not practicing due to contract negotiation issues with the Bengals as well.

However, there is some good news Bengals fans. Dax Hill is set to return for training camp after missing a large majority of last season due to a torn ACL.

Hill has made it clear he wants nothing more than to be back on the field this summer with his teammates and is optimistic about his return.

“I’m hopeful in the next couple of weeks. This break is five weeks, so probably right before, hopefully. I’ve been preparing myself to be cleared and trying to show them that I can actually be cleared,” Hill stated after a recent minicamp practice.

Hill does understand that even though he will be cleared for practice, there is still work to be done to ensure he does not rush or re-injure is knee before the season.

“I know it’s going to be a gradual ramp-up. I’m not going to be expecting a whole lot (when camp begins), but yeah, I’m wanting to be out there for Day 1,” Hill said.

Hill is right on schedule for his return after tearing his ACL back in October.

The former first-round pick will bring much-needed help to the secondary this season with Al Golden leading the way on defense.