Bengals clear rookie WR Charlie Jones for practice return

The Cincinnati Bengals have cleared rookie receiver Charlie Jones to return to practice.

Jones, a fourth-round pick, has been on injured reserve since the end of September due to a thumb injury that required surgery.

This move ahead of Week 10 against the Houston Texans opens a 21-day period in which Jones may practice without counting against the 53-man roster. The team can elevate him to the 53 at any point during that three-week stretch.

Last week, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Jones could return this week, so it will be interesting to see how quickly the team brings him along and if he’ll be able to get back on the 53 quickly.

The Bengals could use Jones’ help, provided he’s proven to be a dangerous special teams returner with one touchdown already. That, and the Ja’Marr Chase back injury situation.