The Bengals have claimed DE KJ Henry off waivers from the Washington Commanders.
Henry is an edge rusher with decent size and rush moves, who can also kick inside on passing downs. He was originally a 5th round pick of the Commanders in 2023, and was able to record 1.5 sacks in his rookie year. Henry had an impressive preseason in recent weeks, but was a surprise cut.
For the Bengals, he adds depth to the defensive line. While they did still have four edge rushers on the roster, including rookie Cedric Johnson, Henry adds an extra body to replace Myles Murphy, who will be on IR for at least the first 4 weeks of the season.
To make room for Henry, the Bengals released RB Trayveon Williams.
Williams was a 2019 6th round pick of the Bengals, and had initially made the roster as the RB3. With only 2 RB’s currently on the roster, it is possible Williams returns after some other moves are made. Though the Bengals might also look into making an outside signing to fill the RB3 void, while stashing Williams on the practice squad. In any event, it does not seem likely that the Bengals will go into the season with only 2 RB’s on the roster.
As well as the above moves, the Bengals have also announced their initial practice squad for the 2024 season.
Those currently on it are the following:
QB, Logan Woodside
WR, Kendric Pryor
WR, Shedrick Jackson
WR, Cole Burgess
TE, Cam Grandy
OT, Devin Cochran
C, Trey Hill
DT, Justin Rogers
DT, Domenique Davis
LB, Shaka Heyward
CB, Jalen Davis
CB, Nate Brooks
S, PJ Jules
The practice squad currently has 13 out of the 16 available spots filled, so they will be making some additional moves in the coming days. Of the 13 currently listed, 12 of them spent the offseason with the Bengals.
Justin Rogers is the first outside addition to join the practice squad this season. He is a 7th round rookie who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. Rogers is a beefy NT who is at his best clogging gaps and stopping the run. This kind of player has been a big talking point ever since DJ Reader left. The Bengals did draft one in McKinnley Jackson, but he missed the preseason due to injury, and is still recovering. It is not surprising to see the Bengals add another NT that can hopefully be developed while on the practice squad.
One more thing to mention is that CB Lance Robinson, who was waived with an injury designation, has cleared waivers. He will revert to the Bengals injured reserve.
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