The Bengals have placed DE Khalid Kareem on IR. His only appearance in the preseason was in week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. In that game, he reportedly picked up a shoulder injury that will force him to miss time.
Since he was included on the initial 53 man roster, Kareem is eligible to return this season. Under the new league-wide IR rules, he is only required to miss a minimum of three weeks.
The Bengals claimed DE Wyatt Ray off of waivers from the Titans yesterday in an effort to add edge depth after Kareem’s injury.
With Kareem going on IR, an extra spot had opened up on the roster. The Bengals have filled that spot by re-signing WR Mike Thomas.
Thomas was released yesterday to make room for one of their waiver claims. As is often the case with veterans, it is possible that the team had worked out an agreement with Thomas prior to his release, that he would return once Kareem was placed on injured reserve.
He will only be a depth piece on offence, but should have a big role on special teams this year.
In other news, the Bengals have signed WR Trenton Irwin to the practice squad. Like Thomas, Irwin was cut from the team yesterday to make room for one of the waiver claims. But unlike Thomas, he had to pass through waivers.
Irwin went unclaimed on waivers, which allowed the Bengals to bring him back on the practice squad.
He had impressed all throughout camp and also had himself a solid preseason. Having Irwin back will allow some fans to breathe a sigh of relief.