Bengals safety Michael Thomas gives jersey to Tycen Anderson as his NFL future hangs in the balance
Michael Thomas' time as a member of the 53-man roster is likely coming to an end this week after a preseason in which the Bengals' safety room showed immense promise. His version of passing the torch came after Saturday night's preseason finale. Following the 21-19 defeat to the Washington Commanders, Thomas gifted his No. 31 jersey […]
Michael Thomas' time as a member of the 53-man roster is likely coming to an end this week after a preseason in which the Bengals' safety room showed immense promise. His version of passing the torch came after Saturday night's preseason finale.
Following the 21-19 defeat to the Washington Commanders, Thomas gifted his No. 31 jersey to fellow safety Tycen Anderson, the very player who would essentially take over his role as a special teams ace and reserve on defense.
"He's my little bro," Thomas told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "You said it. 'Passing of the torch.' If this is my last NFL game, I thank everyone."
Thomas, more commonly known as "Uncle Mike" in the locker room, is the personification of class. Whether it's a byproduct of being in the NFL for more than a decade, or simply the backbone of his character, it's how he'll be remembered as a crucial leader during the Bengals' rebirth in the early 2020s.
Despite all of that, the writing has been on the wall for Thomas since Anderson picked off two passes and took one to the house in the preseason opener two weeks ago. A defense likely to keep 10 defensive linemen and six cornerbacks doesn't quite have room for five safeties, especially if there's ample comfort in the top four. But not making the initial 53-man roster wouldn't indicate the end for the 33-year old vet.
Cincinnati has 16 spots on their practice squad available, including ample spots for vested veterans such as Thomas himself. Landing back on the practice squad and staying in the building is something he's very much open to.
"Any capacity this team wants me," Thomas told Hobson.
Anderson might need to give that jersey back soon.
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Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
