Rookie DT Andrew Brown joining Bengals’ practice squad

Bengals rookie fifth round pick Andrew Brown failed to make the team’s 53-man roster on Saturday but will re-join the team on the practice squad, according to a source.

Brown was dealing with a hamstring issue for much of training camp and the preseason, which he suffered on August 1. That same day, defensive tackle Josh Tupou went down with a knee injury, but he recovered fast enough to make an impression and steal a roster spot away from the rookie.

Brown played 71 percent of defensive snaps in the Bengals’ preseason finale, but didn’t record any statistics, which isn’t a great sign. That was the only preseason game in which he played.

In four years at Virginia, the 6’3”, 296-pound lineman recorded 26.5 tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks. He also batted down four passes, recovered one fumble and forced one fumble, too.

ESPN’s Todd McShay had Brown ranked 127th overall coming into the draft, while Mel Kiper ranked him 88th. NFL.com ranked Brown 125th, CBS Sports had him ranked 169th.

This is the second year in a row in which the Bengals have waived rookie draft picks. That’s what happens when you have 11 draft picks in back-to-back years. The Bengals also waived rookie quarterback Logan Woodside, a seventh round draft pick this year.

For now, Brown will remain on the practice squad, but he could join the 53-man roster eventually this season if injuries hit.