The first day of minicamp marked a fresh start for Cincinnati Bengals tackle Jake Fisher, who was cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since a heart ailment ended his 2017 season in November.
“I was able to get out there and put my best foot forward and just keep getting better, knock some rust off,” Fisher said. “I’ve been trying to get back, so it’s been a process. But you’ve got to understand and trust your trainers and your coaches and what they decide for you. Ultimately it’s not just up to me, what I want to do. There’s a plan and you’ve got to stick to it.”
Fisher left the Nov. 5 game at Jacksonville with an irregular heartbeat and went to the hospital. The Bengals placed him on season-ending Injured Reserve a few days later, and Fisher underwent a cardiac ablation procedure, which scars or destroys tissue in the heart that is allowing the incorrect electric signals that cause abnormal heart rhythms.
He was medically cleared in February, but the Bengals have been bringing him along slowly during the voluntary offseason program, limiting his activity to position drills.
Tuesday he took his first live snaps at right tackle, the position where he started seven of the first eight games last year before the heart issue was diagnosed.
Asked to describe what it was like hearing there was an issue with his heart, Fisher politely declined.
“I really don’t (want to talk about it), to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s in my past. I’m working to what’s ahead in the future, just trying to be the best player I can for this team.”
While Fisher said he was happy to return to full participation this week, it wasn’t something he fixated on.
