Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Jack Endries made an immediate splash in his first regular-season action, converting his very first NFL reception into a one-yard touchdown. Late in the second quarter of the Week 8 matchup against the Tennessee Titans at Paycor Stadium, quarterback Joe Burrow connected with Endries in the end zone to extend Cincinnati’s lead. The play highlighted the offensive line’s protection and Burrow’s ability to identify emerging talent, capping a sequence that CBS play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy described as a “keeper” and “really cool” moment for the rookie.
Seventh-round pick delivers instant impact in Week 8 win over Titans
The performance comes at a critical juncture for Cincinnati’s receiving corps, which has suffered significant depth issues due to injuries to starters Erick All Jr. and Tanner Hudson. Burrow acknowledged the challenge during the week, noting that replacing two key contributors requires a “committee” approach rather than a one-for-one swap. “Jack (Endries) will get certainly some more reps,” Burrow stated, expressing excitement about the rookie’s potential to continue improving and growing within the system. Endries’ ability to secure the ball in traffic against a veteran defense signals he is ready to handle increased responsibility in the passing game.
Selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Endries has demonstrated resilience and readiness despite a bumpy preseason. He sustained an injury during the third quarter of the final preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field but returned in the fourth quarter to finish the contest. Now entering the regular season, Endries has proven he can perform under pressure, providing the Bengals with a reliable safety valve and a new dynamic element in the red zone. His successful debut suggests the Bengals’ offensive staff has found a viable solution to their tight end depth crisis.
Source: Yahoo Sports
