Life comes very fast for Cincinnati Bengals player as critical mistake ultimately costs him his job
The Cincinnati Bengals are letting go of wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams following his costly blunder against his former team during Cincy’s Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Cincinnati Bengals are making room for their reunion with wide receiver Mitch Tinsley by letting go of fellow WR Ke’Shawn Williams.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Williams is being released by Cincinnati.
Williams, an undrafted free agent signing of the Pittsburgh Steelers following the 2025 NFL Draft, was originally signed by the Bengals late during the 2025 season after return specialist Charlie Jones suffered a season-ending injury. He returned nine punts and eight kickoffs, averaging 10.6 yards per punt return and 25.4 yards per kickoff return.
Williams beat out Jones for a roster spot during final cuts last month, but was inactive during the first two weeks of the regular season. He got his shot in Week 3 against his former team, and what happened is ultimately why he’s out of a job.
Ke’Shawn Williams’ muffed punt becomes his undoing
Cincinnati played Williams for the first time this season during its 30-27 loss to the Steelers. He was active as the offense needed to dress five receivers following Andrei Iosivas’ thumb injury landed him on the Reserve/Injured list prior to the game. Dohnte Meyers handled return duties the first two weeks, but the role was given to Williams in his 2026 debut against his former team.
That decision backfired in the fourth quarter. Williams muffed the Steelers’ only punt of the game that actually counted, and Pittsburgh recovered his fumble right in the red zone. The go-ahead field goal was scored minutes later.
Williams had his chance, and it appears he blew it.
Bengals back down to four healthy receivers on the roster
While Williams’ mistake explains his release, the Bengals are entering their week of practice with just four healthy receivers on the 53-man roster. Colbie Young is also still part of the 53, but he will not play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a knee injury.
- Ja’Marr Chase
- Tee Higgins
- Dohnte Meyers
- Mitch Tinsley
Cincinnati also has two options to elevate from the practice squad in rookie Noah Thomas, and Jordan Moore. It should be expected for at least one of them to come up to the roster for Week 4.
Williams being out of the picture also confirms Meyers is taking back his role as kickoff and punt returner going forward. He’s averaging 26.1 yards per kickoff return, and 6.3 yards per punt return thus far.
The Bengals will make the Tinsley signing and Williams release official shortly.
