Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) celebrates with Cincinnati Bengals punter Ryan Rehkow (8) after hitting a field goal in the fourth quarter of the NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rookie Ryan Rehkow Shining Bright for Cincinnati Bengals

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Oct 3, 2024 11:00 AM ET

Bengals punter Ryan Rehkow is off to a picture perfect start. The rookie went from signing with Cincinnati as their third punter in late July to leading the NFL in gross punting average (58.4) and net punting average (49.7) just over two months later.

The Bengals waived Brad Robbins this week, which means Rehkow is without a doubt their punter moving forward.

"He punts it far and high," Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said with a smile. "He's come in and been a great fit. Confident since the day he walked in the door. Carries himself the right way with that confidence."

Rehkow signed with the Chiefs in April after the draft and was released less than two months later after minicamp. He signed with the Bengals five weeks later.

"It's definitely a little bit of a bitter pill to swallow," Rehkow said when asked about being released. "At the same time, I feel like I walked out of there confident that like no, I belong and I can really do some special things."

Rehkow is still a rookie, but he's checked every box in his first month as an NFL punter—including holding on crucial Evan McPherson field goals. The Bengals successfully kicked a 56 yarder and a 46 yarder in Sunday's win over Carolina—both field goals were in the second half.

"So far so good," Taylor said. "He's done an excellent job, and done all the things we need him to do."

For more on Rehkow, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: