Cincinnati Bengals head coach Paul Guenther has heaped praise on defensive linesman Geno Atkins three months prior to the start of the 2015 season.

The 27-year-old had an average campaign in 2014, but Guenther insists that he looks back to his best in training camp.

He told the Bengals website: "He looks as good as any guy we've got on our team. On the defensive side at least. He's real explosive. He looks strong. He looks as good as he's ever had.

"I'm proud of the way he's come back. He gives us a huge boost. Huge. You're talking about one of the elite players in the league."

The Bengals start the season against the Oakland Raiders.