The Practice Squad Bengals Most Likely To See Regular Season Action
Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Not making the 53-man roster isn’t the end-all, be-all for some players. Shortly after announcing their initial roster, the Cincinnati Bengals released the list of players who they named to the practice squad.
#Bengals practice squad… pic.twitter.com/iDghizRaI4
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 28, 2024
Although they may seem like an afterthought, some practice squad players not only end up being elevated to the active roster, but go on to be contributors to the team throughout the year. Last season saw Tanner Hudson and Kwamie Lassiter II elevated in this way, with the former becoming an every-week starter near by end of the season.
Who could be a candidate to move up and seize a role this year? Here are our favorite picks.
Cole Burgess, WR
Burgess was relegated to the practice squad despite leading the Bengals in kick return yards in the preseason. It was even briefly thought that Burgess would contribute on special teams in the regular season after the Bengals cut longtime kick returner Trayveon Williams in a surprise move on Wednesday. However, Williams (correctly) predicted that his time off the team wouldn’t last long, as he was re-signed by Cincinnati after they placed rookie defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson on injured reserve.
Roster gymnastics everybody take a deep breath 😂 !
— Trayveon Williams (@TrayveonW) August 28, 2024
However, that’s not to say Burgess won’t find playing time on the Bengals, as spots open up constantly during the NFL season.
you'd think it's a handshake for the practice squad but burgess ended up with the most kickoff returns for a player still on the team at the moment and had two good ones in the finale. may be the one to elevate for the role if charlie jones/trayveon williams get hurt. https://t.co/4wdjsm5mAp pic.twitter.com/2FMjKbynid
— John Sheeran (@John__Sheeran) August 27, 2024
Burgess was an undrafted free agent out of Division III SUNY Cortland, but stepped right in and racked up 101 kick return yards this August. He may very well be the next man up should a receiver or special teams contributor find themselves on the injured list. As a wideout, he’s a slightly smaller version of Andrei Iosivas, in that he’s a good athlete who can play any position as a receiver and possesses solid hands. Considering he will have Joe Burrow as his quarterback, Burgess will have an opportunity to make an impact should he find his way on the field on Sundays.
2. Shaka Heyward, LB
Maema Njongmeta impressed to the point where the Bengals couldn’t leave him off the 53-man roster. However, had Njongmeta not taken Who Dey Nation by storm, Heyward had a strong preseason that would have justified him making the cut.
Highest-graded Bengals vs the Bears:
🥇 Shaka Heyward – 90.6
🥈 Joe Bachie – 82.6
🥉 Tanner McLachlan – 77.4
🏅 Kris Jenkins – 75.8
🏅 Jaxson Kirkland – 73.2 pic.twitter.com/pc4lWev1iT— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) August 18, 2024
Heyward was third on the team with 17 tackles and even registered a half-sack against the Bucs.
Jeff Gunter and Shaka Heyward sack #Bengals
— Who Dey Hype (@Bengals_Hype) August 11, 2024
While the emergence of Njongmeta gives the Bengals a key piece for their previously thin linebacker depth chart, it left Heyward as the odd man out. However, he had an excellent overall PFF grade in the 2024 preseason in coverage (80.9), which the Bengals’ linebackers mightily struggled with last season, especially against tight ends. He’s a player to keep an eye on if these issues persist.
Jalen Davis, DB
Davis didn’t exactly have the strongest preseason (51.4 overall PFF grade, 46.5 coverage grade). That said, he does have four years of experience playing both safety and cornerback in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Veteran CB Jalen Davis has agreed to stay on in Cincinnati per source.
Davis, a versatile depth piece for Lou Anaraumo’s defense, starts the season on the practice squad. @WLWT pic.twitter.com/Gr9ceDvCih
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) August 28, 2024
If Davis is to be promoted at any point this year, he will likely return as a corner. Davis could theoretically play at safety, but the position is much deeper than last season after the signings of Geno Stone and Vonn Bell, the emergence of Jordan Battle and Tycen Anderson, and the arrival of rookie Daijahn Anthony.
4. Kendall Milton, RB
While many Bengals fans found themselves making dreamy eyes toward the idea of Samaje Perine returning to the team, the organization instead decided to add a younger version of him in Milton.
Bengals fans will enjoy seeing where new RB Kendall Milton landed on this production and athleticism chart – top right.
He was one of the most underrated prospects in this class. Really hoping he gets a chance at some point. https://t.co/Vl9Hu6V677
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) August 29, 2024
Milton, an undrafted free agent out of Georgia, was released by the Eagles on Tuesday and was quickly signed by the Bengals. He scored 14 rushing touchdowns in his final season with the Bulldogs and has experience running behind first-round pick Amarius Mims. He significantly improved as a pass blocker (71.9 PFF grade in his senior season) and only committed two penalties over his entire collegiate career.
The Bengals’ backfield has not been highly regarded going into the year, especially after letting go of Joe Mixon. Milton, who had 15 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown with the Eagles this August, might prove to be a sneaky good addition. Keep your eyes open each week to see if he gets the call to suit up on game days.
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