Bengals' Tyler Boyd: Comes up big in LaFell's absence

Boyd caught two passes for 38 yards and a touchdown on three targets, adding one punt return for 24 yards, in Thursday's preseason win over the Lions.

Analysis:

Although Brandon Tate was expected to start in place of Brandon LaFell (hand), it was actually Boyd who got the starting nod, according to Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The rookie responded with a diving, 26-yard catch on Cincy's second drive, later adding a 12-yard touchdown from backup quarterback A.J. McCarron right before halftime. Tate also got plenty of snaps while Andy Dalton was in the game, finishing with two catches for 23 yards on three targets. The Bengals do hope to have LaFell back by Week 1, but even so, Boyd is making a nice push for the starting gig across from A.J. Green, boasting three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on five targets through the first two preseason games. At the very least, Boyd figures to work ahead of Tate in three-wide formations, which could be a bigger part of the offense than usual if Tyler Eifert (ankle) isn't ready for Week 1.