The Cincinnati Bengals released offensive lineman Cody Ford on Monday, the team announced. Coach Zac Taylor stated the move was intended to give the 29-year-old a head start in finding a new team before rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Ford spent three seasons with Cincinnati, making 50 appearances including 10 starts. He entered training camp as a potential swing tackle behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. However, Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers have recently taken reps with the second-string offense, including in last Saturday's preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

Taylor praised Ford’s versatility, noting he played different positions on short notice with limited practice. "We liked him in the draft process and then we acquired him years later and gave us three good years of football," Taylor said. "Now I wish him the best on the next part of his journey."

The Bengals are still evaluating options behind their primary tackles. Taylor indicated he is not opposed to bringing in another player to fill the remaining role on the offensive line.