CLAIMING K.J. HENRY: With edge rusher Myles Murphy (knee) out for at least the next four weeks, the Bengals turned to his former Clemson bookend when they plucked Commanders defensive end K.J. Henry off waivers before Wednesday’s practice.
The 6-4, 255-pound Henry played 41% of the snaps and made three starts as a rookie last season and came up with 1.5 sacks and two passes defensed on 282 snaps.
After the Bengals drafted Murphy in the first round last year with the 28th pick, the Commanders took Henry in the fifth round. Murphy confirmed Henry is an outgoing guy, popular with the media and worthy of his degree in sports communication that he obtained in three years. He also has a master’s in athletic leadership to go with the award given to the player who best represents himself, his teammates and Clemson in the media.
Henry logged five years at Clemson and played the school’s most career games on the edge with 58, his last 14 coming with Murphy rushing on the other side in 2022.
“If you look at the Commanders’ tape, that’s what he does,” Murphy said. “He’s a smart, smart guy. I have no worries about him learning the playbook quickly. He’s got the whole shebang. The media will have a fun time with him. He was all over the Commanders’ page.”
The Bengals know plenty about him since his data is fresh from last year’s draft. Plus, defensive line coach Marion Hobby recruited him to Clemson and knew him for a long time even before that: Henry’s dad is long-time college coach Keith Henry, now the safeties coach at North Carolina A&T.
– Press release via the Cincinnati Bengals