Bengals Sign 11 to Practice Squad, Snubbed by Grandy and Tinsley

Key points

• The Bengals signed 11 players to the practice squad, including QB Sean Clifford, CB Bralyn Lux, and S Russ Yeast, with plans to add TE Tanner Hudson on Tuesday.
• The team was unable to re-sign TE Cam Grandy, who was claimed by the Minnesota Vikings, or WR Mitch Tinsley, who was signed by the Houston Texans.
• QB Josh Johnson was omitted from the practice squad, with coach Zac Taylor stating he is giving Johnson time to land a 53-man roster spot with another team.
• The Bengals retained five tight ends on the 53-man roster, including rookie Jack Endries, who credited his four-minute drill performance in the preseason finale for his retention.
• Only six of the 16 practice squad members from the 2025 season were elevated to the active roster at some point last year, highlighting the volatility of the group.

Background

The Bengals entered the 2026 season with high expectations, holding the second-best odds to win the AFC North. The team added veteran defensive players like Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe, and finished the preseason undefeated for the first time in 20 years. The practice squad formation follows a period of intense roster battles, particularly at tight end and wide receiver, where the team had to make difficult decisions to balance depth with financial and developmental goals.

How outlets are covering it

Bengals On SI emphasized the strategic 'wink-and-nod' promise to re-sign Tanner Hudson and the loss of Cam Grandy to the Vikings, noting the team's control over the roster. The official Bengals website highlighted the emotional and cultural aspects of the roster, focusing on the tears of rookies Dohnte Meyers and Landon Robinson, and the specific performance of Jack Endries. Cincy Jungle provided a fan-centric tracker and predicted the practice squad, noting the potential for Josh Johnson to be added later. FOX19 provided a factual breakdown of the 53-man roster, confirming the retention of five tight ends and the inclusion of veterans like Joe Flacco and Bryan Cook.

Why it matters

The composition of the practice squad is critical for the Bengals' long-term success, as it provides depth for injuries and a pipeline for future starters. The loss of key players like Grandy and Tinsley to other teams highlights the competitive nature of the NFL and the Bengals' need to make strategic decisions to retain their best available talent. The retention of five tight ends and the inclusion of special teams leaders like Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward indicate the team's focus on versatility and depth in key areas.

What to watch

The Bengals are expected to fill the remaining five spots on their practice squad in the coming days as they monitor moves from other teams. They will also re-sign Tanner Hudson on Tuesday, and may add Josh Johnson if he does not find a 53-man roster spot elsewhere. The team will also monitor the health of key players like Shemar Stewart and Dax Hill, who were injured during training camp.