Bengals signing former Steelers tight end Zach Gentry to practice squad

The Cincinnati Bengals have rounded out their practice squad by adding another former AFC North rival. Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Bengals using their 16th and final practice squad spot to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry. Gentry was originally a fifth-round pick out of Michigan by the Steelers in the 2019 NFL […]

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer

Sep 5, 2023 2:05 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Bengals have rounded out their practice squad by adding another former AFC North rival.

Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Bengals using their 16th and final practice squad spot to sign former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry.

Former #Steelers TE Zach Gentry is staying in the AFC North and signing with the #Bengals practice squad, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2023

Gentry was originally a fifth-round pick out of Michigan by the Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft. He appeared in all 17 games last season and started 13 of them, racking up 132 yards on 19 receptions.

Receiving was not Gentry's primary purpose in Pittsburgh's offense. The 26-year old veteran is often utilized as an extra blocker in heavy personnel. 66% of his snaps last season were as a blocker, mainly on run downs.

The Bengals are carrying three tight ends—Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Mitchell Wilcox—on their active roster and have another in Tanner Hudson on the practice squad. Gentry's specific skillset indicates he's a reserve for Sample, who is mainly used as an extra blocker.

Gentry is also the third player who was cut by another team last week to sign with the Bengals' practice squad. He joins former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier, and former Cleveland Browns running back/wide receiver Demetric Felton.

With Gentry in the fold, here's an updated look at the Bengals' practice squad: