Cincy Jungle · Jun 10, 2021
Bengals surveying new options at punt returner
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports Handling roster turnover is part of being an NFL coach, but Darrin Simmons could at least count on one piece of continuity for the last five years.
Alex Erickson spent the first five years of his ongoing NFL career as the Bengals’ primary punt returner. Erickson is now a member of the Houston Texans, so Simmons—heading into his year 19th year on Cincinnati’s staff—is now in the process of deciding a replacement.
Many have pegged veteran cornerback Darius Phillips to inherit that role, but Simmons is also trying out undrafted free agent signees Pooka Williams Jr. and Riley Lees, as well as veteran receiver Trent Taylor.
