Anthony

Collins

Collins, 26, will return as the Bengals’ “swing” tackle behind LT Andrew Whitworth and RT Andre Smith. Young with a solid track record in 18 career starts, Collins has encountered work ethic and character red flags since coming out of Kansas in 2008. His signing is still a strong one for the Bengals.

The 2008 third-rounders have attracted surprisingly little interest considering their age and specialization. Sims is an effective situational run-stuffer while Collins is a fine swing tackle.

As is free agent OT Anthony Collins. A situational run stopper, Sims played 297 snaps across 11 games before torn ankle ligaments landed him on injured reserve in December. Still just 26, he’ll attract interest as a run-stuffing specialist.

Simpson and OL Anthony Collins were allegedly present when Aleen Smith, 27, accepted the package at Simpson’s Kentucky home. Both Bengals were detained, but no one was arrested. During a search of the home, authorities found six more pounds of marijuana along with “packaging materials, scales and smoking devices.” An update on possible prosecution is expected later today.

“The only thing I know is that Anthony Collins wasn’t involved in anything at all,” Lewis said. “The other thing (the investigation of Simpson), I’m not allowed to comment about anything so we’ll just move forward and get ready to play football.” Collins just happened to be at Simpson’s house at the time of the delivery.

Whitworth was listed as doubtful on the injury report Friday. It will be Whitworth’s first missed start since 2008. Anthony Collins will fill in at left tackle. He’ll be faced with the task of stopping Julius Peppers.

Whitworth has been nursing a knee injury for the entire preseason. His likely absence in Sunday’s game against the Bears is a concern with Julius Peppers lurking. Anthony Collins is Whitworth’s backup and a drastic downgrade.

Collins, 28, started the final six games, including the playoff loss to the Chargers, at left tackle and was stellar in pass protection. It allowed Pro Bowl LT Andrew Whitworth to kick inside to left guard where he dominated physically. Collins checks in as our No. 5 free-agent offensive tackle, behind Jordan Gross.

Left tackle is a huge priority for a Dolphins team that must fill at least three holes along the offensive line. Monroe is the No. 1 target, but Branden Albert and Anthony Collins are also on Miami’s radar. All three still could be re-signed by their current teams before free agency, however. The Dolphins aren’t exactly working from a position of strength. Their line was abysmal in ’13.

Collins was stellar in pass protection last season, and re-signing him would allow the Bengals to keep OL Andrew Whitworth at left guard. Cincinnati is prepared to let Collins walk, however, if another team is willing to overpay. The best-case scenario for the Bengals is Collins finds a soft market and returns at a discounted price. Collins is our No. 5 free-agent offensive tackle.