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Offensive lineman Dan France could be headed back to Cincinnati, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. France, who signed as a college free agent following the 2014 NFL draft, spent the regular season on the team's practice squad last year before transitioning back to the offseason roster this January.
However, this won't be determined until Sunday.
France was waived Saturday afternoon when Cincinnati needed to reduce their roster to 53 players. If another team submits a claim on France, he would join their 53-man roster. Players will remain on waivers until noon on Sunday. When Cincinnati receives a personnel notice at approximately 1 p.m. (ET), they can then sign players to their practice squad, presumably establishing France's spot on the team's practice squad.
With first-round pick Cedric Ogbuehi opening training camp on the team's non-football injury list and second-round prospect Jake Fisher missing practices and two preseason games, France took advantage of his increased opportunities to prove himself during training camp after studying behind Cincinnati's veterans. In addition to his opportunities, he's been developing and leaving an impression with his teammates and coaching staff.
"I'm watching Whitworth every play," France said via Bengals.com. "I've been taking pointers from him. He knows so many tricks of the trade."
Whitworth, the 10-year veteran who symbolically handed off the leadership role to quarterback Andy Dalton this spring, has been impressed with France. "He's a tough guy. He's got a lot of tough nastiness," says left tackle Andrew Whitworth. "He's a true old school lineman. He just likes to get after guys. Finisher. He definitely fits the mentality of something Hue really likes."
Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander also had nice things to say about France, via Bengals.com:
"He's really come on this year. He's such a good technician and he's a smart guy and competitive. He was solid. He was good. I thought he did a solid job (against the Giants)."
Pro Football Focus graded France with an overall score of -6.5 and a run blocking grade of -4.5. Only two Bengals were graded worse, Tanner Hawkinson and T.J. Johnson.