The game of musical chairs that is the practice squad continues, as the Bengals have made some changes today.
The Bengals signed P Drue Chrisman and S Michael Thomas to the practice squad.
Chrisman is a rookie undrafted free agent out of Ohio State. He originally signed with the Bengals following the draft, and stuck with the team throughout the rest of the offseason. Chrisman was waived during final cuts but was included on the original practice squad. He was released from the practice squad a short time later. Now, Chrisman returns for his second stint with the team. They obviously like the big-legged punter. Perhaps they view him as the successor to Kevin Huber.
Thomas, meanwhile, was originally an UDFA in 2012. He has bounced around the league, spending time with the 49ers, Dolphins, Giants, and Texans. He has spent most of his career as a backup, but he did start 13 games in 2015.
While he hasn’t played a ton on defence in recent years, he has shown to be a stand out special teamer, even earning a place in the Pro Bowl in 2018.
In corresponding moves, the team has released S Sean Davis and CB Tony Brown from the practice squad.
Davis was signed not long after Ricardo Allen was placed on IR, following the Bengals week 1 win. The former Pittsburgh Steeler had remained on the practice squad up until today.
Tony Brown was claimed off waivers back in 2019. He spent time on the roster last year, but struggled in his game action. After a shaky preseason, he was waived, but the Bengals still kept him on the practice squad. While it wouldn’t be a big shock to see him return to the practice squad at some point, for the time being, his time with the Bengals has come to an end.