Cincinnati Bengals Announce Practice Squad

The Cincinnati Bengals have announced their practice squad. Joining wide receiver Cobi Hamilton and offensive tackle Reid Fragel are center T.J. Johnson, running back Daniel Herron, linebacker J.K. Schaffer, cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris, and cornerback Onterio McCalebb.

One spot remains open and the noticeable name missing is defensive end Dontay Moch.

Reports below from previous projections:

LB, J.K. Schaffer: Led the team in tackles this year, Schaffer became a victim of being limited as an inside backer. The Bengals really needed an outside linebacker that's decent in coverage to replace the injured Emmanuel Lamur, and apparently Cincinnati didn't view Schaffer as that player. Still, Schaffer figures to develop and maybe even on a fast-track to the 53-man roster if the circumstances warrant (such as not finding anyone as the sixth linebacker after Andrew Hawkins is placed on IR).

RB, Daniel Herron: Great preseason, led the team in rushing and at one point, held the league lead after two weeks. Showed such tremendous special teams promise last year while on the practice squad that the team promoted him to the 53-man roster after Mohamed Sanu suffered a season-ending injury.

WR, Cobi Hamilton: A talented receiver with good size. If not for the rise of Dane Sanzenbacher and the team's love for Ryan Whalen's versatility, Hamilton would have made the 53-man roster. With a little more refinement and development, Hamilton could be a fine player in the NFL. It might just take some time before that gets started.

OT, Reid Fragel: This kid has size and even some athleticism (was a tight end early in his career). It'll be difficult for him to reach the 53-man roster this year, but then who knows when Andrew Whitworth will be healthy enough to play. He says this week, others are weighing concerns that won't evaporate until he takes the field. That being said, Fragel is raw and needs time to rehabilitate and develop.

CB, Chris Lewis-Harris: He won't be the world's best shutdown cornerback, but he's a solid contributor that turned in a solid training camp. There is some experience in the regular season also, with a week four win against the Jaguars, a week 17 meeting against the Baltimore Ravens and the team's postseason loss to the Houston Texans.

CB, Onterrio McCalebb: He has the athleticism to warrant continued development, making the transition from running back at Auburn to cornerback in the NFL.

C, T.J. Johnson: Struggled with run blocks during the preseason, but showed something in pass protection. Worth developing, but who knows. Even if the Bengals suffer an injury at center, they'll probably better options available in free agency. Jeff Faine. On second thought...