Even though the Bengals released Abdul Hodge Saturday afternoon, it didn't clarify the position much. It's a numbers game, I tell you. A numbers game. With how many linebackers the Bengals plan to carry, that position will be battled between Roddrick Muckelroy, Vincent Rey and Dan Skuta.
Well, you can cross Rey off the list. Reedy writes that Rey was released and he's definitely headed to the practice squad once he clears waivers.
Rey (not Maualuga) recorded 18 preseason tackles, tying with Kyries Hebert with second most tackles on the team. If this team didn't have the impressive collection of linebackers they have, Rey would have easily made the roster. But it's hard to jump past guys like Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers, (not Vincent) Rey Maualuga, Brandon Johnson and Michael Johnson. With Muckelroy being a fourth round pick and Skuta able enough to contribute in all three phases of the game, Rey was simply an odd man out.
If the Bengals elect to keep seven linebackers, then the team's linebackers are set for the year.
Our cut list thus far is: Dezmon Briscoe, Matt Jones, Kyries Hebert, Dave Rayner, Isaac Sowells, Marvin White, Maurice Purify, Clinton McDonald, Abdul Hodge, Otis Hudson and Rey.
We're halfway there guys -- 11 down, 11 to go.