The Bengals are making moves on defense, and Jalen Davis is back in the mix.
On Monday, Cincinnati promoted cornerback Jalen Davis from the practice squad to the active roster, a familiar step for a player who’s become something of a roster chameleon over the years. In a corresponding move, linebacker Brian Asamoah II was placed on injured reserve.
For Davis, this is the latest chapter in a career defined by resilience and readiness. The 29-year-old has carved out a role as a dependable depth piece, even if the path hasn’t been linear.
Undrafted out of Utah State in 2018, Davis started his NFL journey with the Dolphins. He bounced between Miami’s practice squad and active roster before landing a shot with the Cardinals, where he followed a similar pattern-brief stints on the 53-man roster, followed by practice squad returns.
His journey to Cincinnati began with a practice squad signing, but he’s steadily earned the Bengals’ trust over time. Davis signed back-to-back one-year extensions in 2021 and 2022, then inked a two-year, $2.3 million deal in 2023.
But even that didn’t guarantee job security-he was part of the final roster cuts after the 2024 training camp. Still, the Bengals brought him back to the practice squad, and he’s been bouncing between the active roster and practice squad ever since.
So far in 2025, Davis has appeared in two games, tallying six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they speak to a player who makes the most of his opportunities. He’s not just filling a roster spot-he’s producing when called upon.
With Asamoah now sidelined, the Bengals are leaning on Davis to provide stability and experience in a secondary that’s had its share of shuffling. He’s not new to this role, and Cincinnati knows exactly what they’re getting: a gritty, seasoned corner who understands the system and isn’t afraid to get physical.
For a defense looking to tighten up down the stretch, Davis’ return to the active roster isn’t just a depth move-it’s a nod to the value of consistency and preparation.