Bengals watch one of their own players get poached by an upcoming AFC opponent as they begin to prepare for the Jaguars

Williams, originally an undrafted free agent signing of the Detroit Lions in 2024, first joined the Bengals during the middle of the 2024 season as a waiver claim. He played in Cincinnati's final six games of the year, and fielded 11 punts (93 return yards) and four kickoff returns (133 return yards) in Week 18 alone.

The Bengals waived Williams during final cuts this offseason but brought him back to the practice squad. NFL rules state teams can sign players from other practice squads, but only to the active roster, not to their own practice squad.

That's what the Jets are doing with Williams, and the second-year wideout may get a chance to face his now former team.

Isaiah Williams can play against Bengals next month

We're only in Week 2 of the regular season, but if Williams stays in New York through Week 8, he'll find himself back in Cincinnati for a road game against the Bengals. The two AFC clubs will play on Oct. 26 in Paycor Stadium, and Cincinnati will also officially induct its fifth Ring of Honor class during halftime.

The good news for Williams is he wasn't signed to be a temporary player. Gipson was released this week after he fumbled a kickoff returner, which set up a Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown in what was ultimately a two-point loss for the Jets.

Williams is now coming to replace Gipson, and if it goes well for him initially, he'll likely still be on the roster when the matchup against the Bengals arrives.

Cincinnati made a couple practice squad moves earlier this week in signing defensive ends Isaiah Foskey and Myles Cole. Mike Pennel was also signed to the active roster from the practice squad.

With Williams now gone, expect another receiver to bring the unit back to 16 players.