Tanner Hudson Reminds Bengals Why Their Tight End Room Is So Deep

Much of the discourse around the Cincinnati Bengals' tight end room this offseason has surrounded Erick All. The often-injured hybrid tight end, who can pave the way in the running game and make big catches in the passing game, obviously piques the interest of many.

Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow have been complimentary of All, saying his physicality and play style will boost the Bengals' offense this season. Many think he could truly be a difference-maker in the offense this upcoming season, not just a shiny “what could have been.”

However, a much-forgotten member of that room made noise at practice Sunday, proving just how deep the group is, which also includes Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.

Tanner Hudson caught a touchdown pass from Joe Flacco in the team period Sunday afternoon. He went up for a ball thrown above his head and in between multiple defenders, bringing down one of the more impressive contested catches that I’ve seen from camp videos.

The 6-foot-5, 241-pound pass catcher has had some sporadic success throughout his career. Hudson posted three or more catches three times last season. He had a reception in 10 consecutive games after being a complete non-factor for the first four games of the 2025 season.

He had two catches on two targets for 42 yards against the Chicago Bears last November.

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic says that Hudson seems to have performances like Sunday’s just about every training camp. Dehner also said that Hudson is one of Burrow’s favorites, and he wouldn’t be surprised if that continued in 2026 despite having more mouths to feed with All’s health and place in the offense.

Hudson played in just 11 games in 2024 as he struggled with injuries, which was Burrow's last season in full health. He had 19 catches for 154 yards and a score, and could have gotten close to his 2023 season of 352 yards and 39 receptions in 2023.

As I’ve mentioned multiple times, the Bengals are set up well at the tight end position. They have the run blockers, Hudson and Drew Sample. They have the true hybrid in Erick All, as long as he can stay healthy, and the pure pass catcher in Mike Gesicki.

As Zac Taylor and Dan Pitcher continue to push a new type of offense with under-center snaps and increased motion, they will be able to move forward knowing that the tight end box is checked.