The Cincinnati Bengals have finalized their practice squad ahead of their crucial Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos. On Tuesday afternoon, the team announced the addition of defensive tackle Domenique Davis and linebacker Craig Young to the practice squad, bringing the total number of players to the 16-player limit.
Davis originally signed with the Bengals as a free agent in 2022 and spent both that year and 2023 on the team’s practice squad, looking poised to do the same this season before being released on October 22. He has been a free agent since then. The Bengals have faced some challenges along their defensive line, particularly after Sheldon Rankins contracted a viral illness just before Week 11. Head coach Zac Taylor informed the media on Tuesday that Rankins is unlikely to play in the upcoming game against Denver and that his status for the season finale next week is still uncertain.
In Rankins’ absence, the Bengals have turned to rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. to start alongside BJ Hill, with additional contributions from rookies McKinnley Jackson and Jay Tufele in rotational roles. Davis could potentially be elevated to join this group in the upcoming matchup against a Broncos team that was once on a streak of rushing for over 100 yards in seven consecutive games. Given that the Bengals rank 30th in rushing success rate allowed on defense, Davis could provide valuable depth and help strengthen the defensive front.
Meanwhile, Young was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a college free agent earlier this year and also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being released from their practice squad on November 5. The Bengals will face off against the Steelers in their final game of the regular season next week, so Young’s familiarity with Pittsburgh could add another layer of strategic advantage for Cincinnati as they head into the final stretch of the season.
