Cincinnati Gets Good News On Charlie Jones
Sep 25, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones (15) returns the punt against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Bengals’ promising 2023 draft picks has been designated to return to practice after an early season thumb injury put him on IR.
We have cleared WR Charlie Jones to practice by designating him for return from the Reserve/Injured list.
🔗: https://t.co/0TJ1mDzf8Q pic.twitter.com/4kcYYSQxWg
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 8, 2023
Charlie Jones, who famously dons the nickname “Chuck Sizzle”, started out the season as the Bengals primary punt returner. During the second quarter in a Week 2 matchup against the Ravens, he scored the Bengals’ first touchdown of the year.
https://x.com/jasrifootball/status/1703465699018989857?s=20
Jones, a wide receiver from Purdue, was the Bengals’ fourth round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. While his contributions have been limited in the passing game (he has one six yard reception on the year), he was immediately handed the starting punt returner role as the 2023 season began.
In his absence, Trenton Irwin has taken on the role as the Bengals’ primary punt returner. In that time, he has returned 9 punts for 90 total yards with a season long return of 28 yards. Jones, on the other hand, has 8 punt returns for 150 yards. His yardage total is heavily aided by his 81 yard punt return touchdown against Baltimore.
Chuck Sizzle has been lauded for his skills as a special teams gadget. Scouts praised his blazing top end speed while he was at Purdue, and it did not take long for him to show off his PF Flyers at the pro level.
NextGen shows Charlie Jones hit 21.0 mph on his punt return TD.
Healthy top speed from the rookie.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 17, 2023
Should Ja’Marr Chase miss any time with his newfound back injury, Jones could also play a role as a receiver. His ability as a vertical threat will be an asset to the Bengals’ offense, as Joe Burrow is back to full health and once again has the ability to zip the ball down the field.
Either way, Zac Taylor and company will be thrilled to get their promising speedster back in time for their matchup on Sunday afternoon against the Texans.
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