ESPN brings up a Bengals player flying under the radar.
The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have many players flying under the proverbial radar.
That’s what happens when a roster contends, gets national hype, and doesn’t have much in the way of turnover on an annual basis.
Still, when one thinks of underrated players to know, one thinks of the running back rotation, an efficient pass-rusher like Joseph Ossai, or even a rookie defender such as cornerback Josh Newton.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, though, went a different direction and found a name to focus on at wideout:
Nonstarter to know: Receiver Trenton Irwin. It’s hard to tell who’s going to be the third receiver behind Chase and Higgins, but Irwin actually scored higher than Higgins in ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics last season and had a receiving DVOA of 20.8%, which ranked 10th among receivers with 10-49 pass targets.
And it’s a good name, too. Irwin just played a career-high 429 snaps last year and was indeed efficient and reliable.
The wrinkle for Iwin within the base offense is how much he can actually see the field with Tyler Boyd gone. New tight end Mike Gesicki gets a lot of work from the slot as a third “receiver” and the running backs can work from there if necessary, too.
Then there’s breakout candidate and rookie Jermaine Burton, who might be impossible to hold off the field as the season continues.
But even if Irwin can’t get in the offense much, he’s been able to help in meaningful ways through special teams, too, and that certainly won’t change in 2024.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Irwin returns on a one-year deal worth $2 million.
Like Hudson, Irwin returns as key depth after carving out a nice niche for himself as a situational receiver and a returner on special teams.
Irwin, 28, joins sophomores Andre Iosivas and Charlie Jones as key depth behind the big names on the depth chart.
Bengals coaches figure to want more speed in the base offense from the slot when new arrival Mike Gesicki doesn’t line up there, so Irwin’s return doesn’t alter any possible free agency or draft plans when it comes to the position.
This time, it’s Joe Burrow hitting Trenton Irwin with a touchdown strike to take an early lead over the Houston Texans in Week 10.
That connection makes it five games in a row that the Bengals have hit on opening-drive touchdowns, with Cincinnati going on to win the last four as Burrow looks all the way back from his calf injury.
More impressive? Tee Higgins was inactive on the day and Ja’Marr Chase, after entering the game as questionable, was simply a decoy in the slot for this touchdown connection to Irwin.
Trenton Irwin is one of those handful of wideouts scrapping and fighting for a roster spot this summer with the Cincinnati Bengals.
And putting up one of the best highlights of training camp certainly helps.
Late in practice on Thursday, Irwin extended and made a wicked catch while draped by a defender, getting the highlight-reel treatment from multiple angles.
It’s one of the best highlights a player will put up all camp and a good example of what Irwin can do as a depth piece when he’s not helping out on special teams.
Irwin faces more pressure than usual this summer behind the big three thanks to veterans like Stanley Morgan and Trent Taylor, plus the team drafting rookies Charlie Jones (who was carted off on Thursday) and Andrei Iosivas. But if he keeps doing things like this, he might as well be a lock:
Trenton Irwin with an early candidate for catch of Bengals camp so far. Back shoulder for the 6 from Trevor Siemian. pic.twitter.com/4oChzyz7hV
Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks
Pass-Rush
TD
Trevor Lawrence
368-7
4
Jalen Hurts
217-77
3
Russell Wilson
247-57
3
Jared Goff
330-9
3
Patrick Mahomes
352-(-3)
3
Running Backs
Rush
Receive
TD
Jerick McKinnon
6-22
7-112
2
Christian McCaffrey
14-119
2-34
2
Miles Sanders
17-144
1-11
2
Austin Ekeler
15-45
8-59
1
Tony Pollard
10-42
4-20
2
Wide Receivers
Yards
TD
Jerry Jeudy
8-73
3
Justin Jefferson
11-223
0
Ja’Marr Chase
10-119
1
JuJu Smith-Schuster
9-74
1
Mike Williams
6-116
1
Tight Ends
Yards
TD
Evan Engram
11-162
2
David Njoku
7-59
1
Chigoziem Okonkwo
6-45
1
Dalton Schwartz
6-87
0
Dawson Knox
4-41
1
Placekickers
XP
FG
Ka’imi Fairbairn
2
3
Eddy Pineiro
3
3
Riley Patterson
3
3
Mike Badgley
4
2
Cameron Dicker
2
3
Defense
Sack – TO
TD
Chiefs
6-1
1
49ers
0-3
0
Bills
4-2
0
Jaguars
4-4
0
Ravens
2-3
0
Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts
QB Kenny Pickett (PIT) – Concussion
QB Mike White (NYJ) – Ribs
QB Tyler Huntley (BAL) – Concussion
QB Russell Wilson (DEN) – Concussion
QB Brock Purdy (SF) – Oblique
RB Dameon Pierce (HOU) – Ankle
RB Jeff Wilson (MIA) – Hip
WR Tyreek Hill (MIA) – Ankle
WR Corey Davis (NYJ) – Head
WR Tee Higgins (CIN) – Hamstring
WR Tyler Boyd (CIN) – Finger
WR Deebo Samuel (SF) – Ankle
TE Daniel Bellinger (NYG) – Ribs
Chasing Ambulances
It has been a rough two weeks for quarterbacks.
QB Kenny Pickett – The rookie was slammed down on a sack and was cleared to return after being examined for a concussion. He returned for a series but Mitchell Trubisky took over when they decided to rule him out and place him in the concussion protocol.
QB Mike White – The Jets quarterback absorbed a huge hit to his ribs and left the game. He returned and took an even more brutal shot to his ribs. He was brought to a hospital after the game to be evaluated. If he cannot play against the visiting Lions this week, Joe Flacco will step in for the start.
QB Tyler Huntley – He was already filling in for Lamar Jackson and then was hit hard and had his head snap back in the third quarter. Huntley remained on the ground for a few seconds and was eventually ruled out. Lamar Jackson is still out with a sprained knee, so undrafted free agent rookie quarterback Anthony Brown would draw the start if Huntley doesn’t pass the protocols. HC John Harbaugh suggested that Huntley may be back for this week’s game against the Browns, but he stopped short of guaranteeing it.
QB Russell Wilson – The first time that Wilson finally looks productive, he was concussed. The threw three touchdowns in a comeback bid against the Chiefs that fell short. Wilson looked very woozy and disoriented after the hit, and the severity of the concussion will impact his ability to play against the Cardinals this week. Brett Rypien would replace him if needed, but the timing is cruel given how good he finally looked.
QB Brock Purdy – He injured his oblique at some point in the game and left at the start of the fourth quarter because the game was already well in hand. He wasn’t pulled because of the injury but will be tracked until he practices this week.
RB Dameon Pierce – He was concussed with 11 minutes left to play in the loss to the Cowboys and HC Lovie Smith lamented afterwards that the loss was tied to his absence. The Texans intercepted Dak Prescott at the DAL 4-yard line with 5:45 left to play but four plays couldn’t punch it in and they turned it over on downs. The Cowboys drove 98 yards for the win. Pierce was replaced by Rex Burkhead and Eno Benjamin who combined for five carries for two yards. The Texans probably wouldn’t beat the visiting Chiefs this week, but he’d certainly make it better.
RB Jeff Wilson – He was carted to the locker room with a hip injury in the second period and never returned. His status will be determined during the week. Raheem Mostert would see more work if Wilson remains out and Salvon Ahmed or Myles Gaskin could also be involved.
WR Tyreek Hill – He injured his ankle at the end of the first half but returned in the second half while still limping and icing the ankle between series. The Dolphins play at the Bills this week so Hill will probably play even if he has to hop on one leg down the field. Even if he doesn’t practice, he won’t be ruled out until the last minute since he is such a critical part of the offense.
WR Deebo Samuel – The 49ers’ dual threat was bent backward awkwardly with his leg trapped under him. He was carted from the field and did not return. HC Kyle Shanahan later said that there were no broken bones but that the team wasn’t certain of the extent of the injury. He said, “If it’s a high ankle, that’s usually some time.”More should be known after test results are known but initially it throws doubt onto him playing at Seattle this week at the least.
WR Tee Higgins – He tweaked his hamstring in pregame warmups and wanted to play but the coaches would not allow him. He will get an MRI to determine how severe the injury is and an update should be known by the Wednesday injury report. Trenton Irwin replaced Higgins and caught two passes for 58 yards and a 45-yard touchdown.
WR Tyler Boyd – He dislocated his finger in the win over the Browns and the initial prognosis is that he’ll likely miss several weeks but not the season. Trent Taylor is his backup and he caught a 34-yard pass on his four targets in the game.
Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables
QB Baker Mayfield (LAR) – His comeback in the final three minutes of the win over the Raiders was impressive and unexpected. But he still only ended up with 230 passing yards and one score. Granted, he will get to learn plays now but the problem is more about the receiver talent that he has to use.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) – Facing one of the top secondaries in the league, DPJ was the main target for Deshaun Watson when he turned 12 targets into eight catches for 114 yards. Amari Cooper was limited to two catches for 42 yards despite his seven targets.
RB Joe Mixon (CIN) – He was injured in Week 11 and remained out until yesterday. Samaje Perine was a fantasy gold mine for those three weeks but once Mixon returned, the workload reverted to the previous sharing. Mixon ran 14 times for 96 yards while Perine only rushed four times for 22 yards but did get the touchdown. Mixon caught two passes while Perine only caught. Perine is now just touchdown-dependent for any fantasy value.
WR Chris Moore (HOU) – With both Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins out, Moore stepped up against the Cowboys with ten catches for 124 yards and is the replacement for Collins. Amari Rodgers is the starting slot receiver and caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in his first playing time as a Texan.
WR DJ Chark (DET) – He’s finally caught fire in Detroit with over 90 yards in each of his last two games. He logged six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown as the lead receiver in the win over the Vikings on Sunday.
WR Jameson Williams (DET) – The rookie that debuted last week with no catches, had his first NFL reception against the Vikings when he was wide open and scored a 41-yard touchdown on his only catch in the game.
RB J.K. Dobbins (BAL) – He was on injured reserve since Week 6 with a knee injury and returned on Sunday against the Steelers. The backfield remains a committee, but his first game back produced 15 runs for 120 yards and a touchdown. Gus Edwards gained 66 yards on his 13 carries, so Dobbins wasn’t given a full load. But he did more in that game than his four previous starts combined.
RB Jerick McKinnon (KC) – The Chiefs’ third-down back produced a season-high seven catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns at the Broncos and added 22 yards on six carries. Isiah Pacheco still ran 13 times for 70 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards. But McKinnon was the weapon that kept the Chiefs in the game. It was reminiscent of his impact during the playoffs last year when he averaged 16 fantasy points in those three games.
Huddle player of the week
Jacksonville Jaguars At Tennessee Titans
Evan Engram – The Jaguars tight end never met expectations in New York after lodging a big rookie year and then far less in any other season. On Sunday at the Titans, he turned in a career-game with 11 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns as the highest-scoring fantasy player for the week.
Salute!
Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry
Ja’Marr Chase saw Trenton Irwin’s breakout coming and made sure to encourage it.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase pulled Trenton Irwin aside as he was set to miss some time with a hip injury and gave the man he calls “T.I.” his blessing and said it was his time to shine.
Irwin did just that, going off in his one opportunity and earning himself a full-time roster spot and game ball. Then, Irwin did it again last week against the Titans, making a clutch sideline catch on a third down that eventually helped decide the game.
Chase says he made a point to beeline for Irwin once he knew he would miss time with the hip injury.
“I knew he was the next man up. Why not hear it coming from me than a coach?” Chase said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I’m telling you personally that I’m not playing. This is your moment to step up and make plays for yourself. That’s exactly what he did. I never, not one second, downgraded nothing he did. I always wanted to pick him up, make sure we we’re always going in the right foot. ”
Chase also noted that it was simply impossible to miss Irwin in practices and understood how valuable he could be in the offense when finally given a chance.
“T.I. has been making some incredible plays, last-second hands, back shoulders him and Joe have been connecting crazy good right now,” Chase said. “I watched T.I. every day at practice, watch him in meetings taking notes like crazy. It’s good to see transition from practice to the game that easy. I’m proud of him like that.”
Case in point: That key third down diving sideline grab against the Titans, Irwin was in Chase’s X spot and made the play at a critical moment:
Some lesser-known names are stepping up for the Bengals.
The Cincinnati Bengals keep getting huge performances from lesser-known names (at least nationally) while they await the returns of Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Mixon.
Wideout Trenton Irwin, for example, earned himself a roster spot with a strong showing two weeks ago. And during Sunday’s win over the Titans, Irwin had one of the biggest plays of the game with a key third-down catch on the game-clinching drive.
Rest assured Joe Burrow has taken notice of the guys stepping up.
Burrow told reporters the following when asked about big plays during the win:
“The biggest play of that drive was the third-and-10 to Trenton Irwin hitting that back shoulder throw. That was a throw we worked this week with him. He doesn’t get a lot of opportunities and he continues to make plays when the opportunities present themselves.”
Don’t forget tight end Hayden Hurst, either. With Chase out, the offense has opened up more vertical routes for him and he’s responded in a big way, including six catches for 57 yards against the Titans.
“He continues to play really well,” Burrow said. “You see over and over he catches the ball short and gets seven yards, and that’s so key to have as a tight end when you have guys like we have on the outside. Maybe you are not going to get a lot of opportunities, but when you do, you have to get us those extra dirty yards and that is what he does so well.”
Keep in mind Hurst has also been doing things like this:
The performances by these two highlights not only the team’s depth — but the schematic flexibility the team showcased last year when it went to the Super Bowl. This is what allows the team to play smashmouth against the Titans, then adjust for things like shootouts against teams like the Chiefs.
In a pinch with wide receiver depth hurting, the Bengals brought Trenton Irwin up to the active roster and he played a huge role in the team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now he’s on that active roster without needing to jump between that and the practice squad.
This week the Bengals announced they promoted Irwin to the 53-man roster while waiving offensive tackle Isaiah Prince.
Irwin had been promoted to the active roster for gameday only in each of the last three contests. He caught three passes for 42 yards and a score in Pittsburgh, making several critical plays and earning himself a game ball:
