Bengals' interest in Charlie Jones preceded Giants' promotion – report

The Cincinnati Bengals showed interest in re-signing receiver and returner Charlie Jones before the New York Giants promoted him, according to a report from The Athletic's Dan Duggan on Twitter/X. Jones joined the Giants' practice squad on September 1 after the Bengals trimmed their roster to finalize the 53-man squad. The 2023 NFL Draft pick made appearances in 33 games across his first three seasons with Cincinnati, contributing eight catches for 69 yards.

The Bengals recently signed Ke Shawn Williams to their practice squad following his release earlier in the week. Williams was involved in a significant play during the Bengals' Week 3 loss to Pittsburgh, muffing a punt and fumbling in the fourth quarter. During his 2025 season, Jones appeared in just 14 games, failing to secure a catch.

However, he did showcase his return skills, returning 13 punts for 115 yards on average and 42 kickoffs for 1,084 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown return in November 2025 against the Chicago Bears.

Injury issues plagued Jones throughout the 2024 campaign. A right ankle injury forced him to the sidelines during Cincinnati's Week 4 loss to the Broncos, and he missed Weeks 9 through 18 due to a groin injury. Despite his injury struggles, Jones made a notable rookie punt return, hauling in the ball 81 yards for a touchdown against Baltimore.