Ted Karras is ready to keep fighting for his position

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 7: Ted Karras #64 of the Cincinnati Bengals waits to snap the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 7, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) | Getty Images In the NFL, draft picks are potential, but crafty veterans are production. Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras isn’t ready to surrender anything.

After the Bengals added potential centers Connor Lew and Brian Parker II to their offensive line room, Karras delivered a blunt reminder about life in the trenches: “You always have to fight your ass off. ” That mentality has helped define Karras since arriving in Cincinnati, and it also explains why the Bengals’ offensive line room has developed into one of the more stable veteran groups on the roster. While the organization continues to invest in youth and depth up front, Karras made it clear this week that competition is welcomed, not feared.

According to Mike Petraglia, Karras said he personally called both Connor Lew and Brian Parker II after the draft and is looking forward to meeting them this week as rookie minicamp approaches. Rather than viewing the newcomers as threats, he appears to see them as part of the culture the Bengals are trying to build to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. “You always have to fight your ass off.

” Starting center Ted Karras on his approach to keeping his spot, has welcomed by phone Connor Lew and Brian Parker II to the Bengals – looks forward to meeting them this week. pic. twitter.