Cincinnati Bengals sign offensive tackle Blake Freeland to practice squad

The Cincinnati Bengals have bolstered their roster depth by signing offensive tackle Blake Freeland to the practice squad. Freeland, a 6-foot-8, 305-pound player out of Brigham Young University, previously played 25 games with nine starts for the Indianapolis Colts before spending the last season on the reserve/injured list.

This move follows an offseason where the Bengals addressed several defensive and offensive needs, including trading for defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and signing Bryan Cook. Despite these additions, the team faces scrutiny regarding leadership and preparation. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has criticized head coach Zac Taylor, suggesting the team's success is heavily dependent on quarterback Joe Burrow and noting a historical trend of slow starts under Taylor's tenure.