AP

The Bengals released an initial depth chart ahead of their preseason opener, as every team does, and perhaps the most interesting note related to the depth chart was that Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones were listed as the first-team cornerbacks ahead of Leon Hall and Darqueze Dennard.

Hall has made 101 career starts and hasn’t missed one when he was healthy since his rookie year in 2007. With all four being former first-rounders and Hall and Jones, specifically, being long-time contributors to a veteran team, this remains a position to watch not just in terms of playing time but in productivity.

The Artist Still Known As Pacman (just not on the official roster) Jones has been a nickel guy and punt returner who’s played in 61 games for the Bengals over the last five years but only made 29 official starts. Kirkpatrick had all three of his interceptions last season in December as part of a strong finish that marked the best stretch of his career.

Coaches hate these early preseason depth charts, releasing them only because they have to and often rolling their eyes at questions and/or headlines made from them. Besides defensive line, though, cornerback was the position with the most intrigue in Bengals camp given Kirkpatrick’s contract-year status and the longevity Hall and Jones have enjoyed.

Jones is 31, and Hall will turn 31 during the season; Kirkpatrick is 25. Dennard, 23, had a quiet rookie season but still played in 14 games, mostly on special teams and occasionally in nickel and dime packages.

Whether the initial depth chart is about fresh legs or a changing of the guard or just fulfilling the obligation to actually release one, we don’t know. But with the Giants in Cincinnati for two days of scrimmages before the teams play their preseason opener Friday, we do know all the Bengals cornerbacks will be kept busy by Odell Beckham Jr. and Friends, and maybe next week’s depth chart will reflect the results of that.