NFL cuts players, Bengals should consider reinforcements soon
The Cincinnati Bengals will likely add to their roster in one way or another as they work toward Tuesday’s final cuts deadline.
This complicated process around final cuts and league-wide 53-man rosters is why things have been renamed the “initial 53-man roster” in recent years. The Bengals, like any team during this process, can use free agency and waiver wire to add to the active roster or practice squad.
Several other players joined the Bengals over the weekend, making some early cuts before the roster was reduced to 53 in a matter of days.
After the initial spate of league-wide departures, here are a few players that could be of interest to the Bengals.
TE CJ Uzomah, Jets
Uzomah was a perfect fit for the Bengals’ regrouping a few years ago. Now the Bengals need new blood and could have as many as five tight ends on their roster thanks to rookies Erick All and Tanner McLachlan.
However, returning as a member of the training squad could at least allow Uzomah to regain his leadership qualities in the locker room.
DE Khalid Kareem, Bears
Kareem, a former Bengals draft pick, has struggled to stay healthy. But with Jeff Gunter retiring and Cam Sample sidelined with injury, to name a few of the issues, the team could use some more depth on the side. Rookie Cedric Johnson should make the 53, but maybe the practice squad?
DE Derek Rivers, Colts
Now 30, Rivers is a former third-round pick from 2017 who still ends up on the practice squad and sometimes makes the active roster.
The simple need for depth should have the Bengals paying attention to virtually every player currently released, although they also plan to add players they have already cut to the practice squad.
DE Raymond Johnson, Jaguars
Johnson spent 2022 and the summer of 2023 with the Bengals before moving to three other teams. Bringing back a player from the practice squad who is already familiar with the program would make the transition process a little easier if the position continues to be plagued by injuries.
OL Keaton Sutherland, Jaguars
Sutherland has made several appearances with the Bengals over the years, and again, familiarity is a good thing when looking for depth at the back of the roster. If the Bengals are unable to bring back some of their internal targets during cuts, Sutherland would be a good backup plan.
RB Boston Scott, Rams
Scott is surprisingly already unemployed after spending the 2018-2023 season in Philadelphia. He is coming off a seven-touchdown season and is a capable pass receiver, so he would be an interesting addition to Trayveon Williams in the rankings.
