Bengals sign DaMarkus Lodge to practice squad

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed wide receiver DaMarkus Lodge to the practice squad. He fills the practice squad spot vacated by wide receiver Damion Willis, who was signed to the Cincinnati’s active roster on Tuesday.

Lodge, who played college football with the Ole Miss Rebels, was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this spring as an undrafted free agent. He stayed with the team throughout the preseason and was cut before the regular season began.

In college, Lodge was a four-year player at Ole Miss, playing with notable receivers Laquon Treadwell, former Bengal Cody Core, A.J. Brown, and D.K. Metcalf. In 2017 and 2018, Lodge finished second in receiving yards for the Rebels. In total, he accumulated 1,790 yards on 122 receptions and 14 touchdowns over the course of his college career.

This actually isn’t the first time Lodge has been linked to the Bengals. Back in October, the team hosted Lodge for a workout but ultimately passed on signing him.

Going into the 2019 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein gave Lodge a Round 6-7 grade and compared him to Colts breakout star Zach Pascal.

Lodge’s size and ability to compete for 50-50 balls are enticing, but inconsistent hands and issues uncovering against long press corners cannot be ignored. His body type and playing style are better suited for more layered, vertical passing concepts than what he saw at Ole Miss. All elements of his game will need work before he can become a factor as a pro, and scheme could matter for him.

Now, Lodge is likely just one injury away from being called up to the 53-man roster. Perhaps if the Bengals ultimately decide to put A.J. Green on injured reserve, Lodge may fill his spot.