Bengals lose veteran player to playoff contender

Gentry, a fifth-year player, originally joined the Bengals' practice squad on September 5 after he was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was never elevated to the active roster during the 16 weeks he was in Cincinnati.

The Raiders are in need of Gentry's services due to the state of their tight end room. Rookie starter Michael Mayer is currently injured and missed the team's victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. Fellow tight end Jesper Horsted also missed Monday's game with an injury.

Cincinnati replaced Gentry's practice squad spot with defensive tackle Domenique Davis, whom was waived on Monday. Davis' active roster spot is expected to be filled by cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, whom was cleared to practice Wednesday morning.

The Bengals desperately need Taylor-Britt back on the field at cornerback these last two weeks. Chidobe Awuzie has not looked himself of late, and DJ Turner II has hit a rookie wall as a starter.

Taylor-Britt's return might be able to stabilize the secondary in Cincinnati as they face Kansas City this week and the Cleveland Browns next week with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance.