Bengals' flurry of roster decisions after signing Dalton Risner leaves them an inevitable move to make with rookie standout

Gregory was one of the surprises to make the initial 53 Tuesday; one of six interior defensive linemen to make it through final cuts along with another undrafted rookie in Howard Cross III.

Cincinnati stashed Gregory on the 53 in order to protect him from the initial waiver wire frenzy in which 31 players were claimed. The Bengals attempted to claim another defensive tackle, Jordan Jefferson, but the San Francisco 49ers were six spots higher than them in the waiver priority order.

Risner's signing has Gregory in limbo for the time being, but don't expect that to last very long.

Bengals leave practice squad spot open for Eric Gregory

Cincinnati also added two players to the practice squad on top of the moves made with Risner and Gregory. Safety Russ Yeast, the son of former Bengals wide receiver Craig Yeast, and offensive tackle Javon Foster, one of the Jacksonville Jaguars' fourth-round picks from the 2024 NFL Draft, are the two newest members of the team's practice squad.

The practice squad would be maxed out at 16 if Cincinnati didn't do anything else, but the club also released OT Devin Cochran from the practice squad, bringing the unit back down to 15 players.

Swapping one OT for another while also keeping a spot vacant while Gregory sits through waivers is a clear sign of the Bengals' next move. They're expected to sign Gregory to the practice squad as their final move.

It was unlikely for both Cross and Gregory to not only make the active roster, but also remain there as other moves were inevitable. Cross is staying put as he provides potential as a pass-rushing 3-technique while Gregory is more of a nose tackle and the 53 has two of them already in starter T.J. Slaton Jr. and McKinnley Jackson.

Gregory may not even have to leave the building before he's able to re-join the team Friday. He'll be back where he belongs in no time.