Bengals’ final practice squad signing could bring closure to a problem that currently has no end in sight
The Cincinnati Bengals have filled out the remainder of their practice squad spots, including the signing of former Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Blake Freeland.
The Cincinnati Bengals have filled out the remainder of their practice squad spots.
Cincinnati confirmed reports of tight end Tanner Hudson, quarterback Josh Johnson, and defensive end Garmon Randolph joining the practice squad, which were all included in our practice squad tracker.
The Bengals are also signing cornerback Trikweze Bridges, and offensive tackle Blake Freeland.
Bridges was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 16 games with two starts for the Cowboys last season, recording 21 tackles (16 solos), three passes defensed, and one interception. He navigated a tumultuous DB room and has plenty of size at 6-2, 200 pounds for the position. Dallas ultimately waived him this week, a few days after he was brought back to the team.
Cincinnati is down a corner with Ja’Sir Taylor starting the season on the Reserve/Injured list, but Josh Newton is expected to fill his role. Bridges will likely stay on the practice squad until further notice.
Freeland is a much more interesting case.
Blake Freeland can shake up Bengals’ swing tackle competition
The most important aspect of the Bengals’ roster that remains unsettled is the backup swing tackle. It’s why OT Myles Hinton was claimed off waivers, and Hudson was released in order to fit him before being brought back on the practice squad. Hinton is now one of five players on the active roster who’s repped the position for the club.
Freeland makes it six when counting the practice squad, and we shouldn’t count him out.
The Indianapolis Colts drafted Freeland in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played in 25 games (nine starts) for the Colts from 2023-24, then spent all of last year on I.R. due to a leg injury.
Freeland’s more experienced than Hinton, Javon Foster, and Jalen Rivers, both of whom competed for the swing tackle job last month. He’s a better athlete than Foster and Rivers. His rookie tape was a bit rough, but it’s been a couple years since he’s played meaningful football and he’s healthy again.
I’m very interested to see if Freeland can make a quick impression on Cincinnati’s coaching staff. He would likely be elevated off the practice squad if he does get a shot at backing up starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, but he can easily be signed to the active roster afterwards.
Coach Zac Taylor told reporters Monday afternoon the swing tackle job is still up for grabs, and there’s no end in sight for the battle.
“I can let them compete every week for the rest of the season,” Taylor said. “You know, it’s it’s sometimes when you know, you know. This guy, he’s really been consistent for us, and and there’s just no conversation about this. But I think right now it’s let’s just keep taking it with every practice we got, and if guys show that they’ve they’ve gotten up to speed and can do it, then I’m all for however shakes out.”
Freeland should be considered in the ongoing process. At the very least, he’s a quality addition to the practice squad should depth be really challenged at OT.
