Jack Endries Is Making It Harder for Cincinnati Bengals to Keep Him Off the Field

The Cincinnati Bengals are inching closer and closer to roster cuts, and one tight end has made his case after entering the preseason with uncertainty about his standing in the room.

Jack Endries has emerged as one of the Bengals’ young players with a lot of potential, and his preseason performance has nearly solidified his spot on the 53-man roster. He was Cincinnati’s seventh-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his play has exceeded what is typically expected from a player selected on the final day of the draft.

In two preseason games, Endries has recorded four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown, with the score coming in the opener against the Detroit Lions.

He has also been a huge part of the running game, helping establish himself as one of the Bengals’ more reliable blocking tight ends. That versatility has made his impact much greater than what his receiving numbers might suggest.

Endries’ work as a blocker has also translated to strong marks from Pro Football Focus. He entered the preseason as a player fighting for a roster spot but has quickly turned himself into one of Cincinnati’s most intriguing young players.

The rookie tight end was the fourth-highest graded offensive rookie in Week 1 with a grade of 91.4. Through two weeks, he still leads all rookie tight ends with an overall grade of 80.4.

For a seventh-round pick, that kind of production has put Endries in a strong position heading into the final stages of the preseason.

The Bengals entered camp with several options at tight end, making the position one of the more interesting roster battles to watch. Endries was not necessarily viewed as a lock when camp began, but his ability to contribute in multiple areas has helped separate him from the competition.

His receiving ability gives the Bengals another option in the passing game, while his blocking could allow him to see the field in situations where the team wants to establish the run.

That combination could be especially valuable for a young player trying to earn consistent playing time behind Cincinnati’s more established tight ends.

With roster cuts approaching, Endries has one more opportunity to show the coaching staff that his preseason performance is not a fluke. If he continues to make an impact both as a blocker and receiver, it could become increasingly difficult for the Bengals to leave him off the roster.

For a seventh-round pick who entered the summer with plenty to prove, Endries has quickly made himself part of the conversation.