Three Thoughts on Bengals' Decision to Elevate Drue Chrisman For Sunday Matchup With Steelers

Cincinnati's special teams unit will look different in Pittsburgh.

Author:
James Rapien
Updated:
Nov 19, 2022 6:03 PM EST
Original:
Nov 19, 2022

In this story:

PITTSBURGH — The Bengals elevated Drue Chrisman from the practice squad on Saturday. He'll punt against the Steelers, which means Kevin Huber will be inactive.

Huber has struggled this season and despite beating out Chrisman in training camp, the Bengals want to see what the Ohio State product can do in a real game.

Here are three quick thoughts on the decision:

It's Time

Cincinnati Bengals punter Drue Chrisman (4) warms up during Cincinnati Bengals preseason training camp at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 433 — © Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chrisman has been in the organization for the better part of a season and a half. He's worked with special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons over that span.

Having Huber on the roster allowed and the NFL's decision to expand practice squads allowed them to groom Chrisman. It's time to see if the second-year pro can be what Simmons and the entire organization thought he could become when they signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2021 NFL Draft.

Huber Isn't Finished Yet

Sep 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) punts during the fourth quarter of a Week 1 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports — Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

There's still a scenario where Huber punts this season for the Bengals. Rather than completely moving on from the veteran, Cincinnati kept him on the 53-man roster.

He won't be active on Sunday, but he traveled with the team. He hasn't punted well this season. That doesn't mean his Bengals career is over. If Chrisman doesn't perform at a high level against the Steelers, Cincinnati could go back to the veteran.

It's a unique situation, but Huber is handling things like a true pro, which leaves the door cracked for his potential return at some point this season.

The Future

Cincinnati Bengals punter Drue Chrisman (4) punts during Cincinnati Bengals preseason training camp at Paul Brown Stadium training facility in Cincinnati on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp 684 — © Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

No one knows how Sunday is going to go. Chrisman could have success and take control of the Bengals' punting situation or he could struggle and they could go back to Huber.

It'll probably end up somewhere in the middle. Chrisman could have a solid debut and flash enough to earn another opportunity in Week 12 against the Titans.

This situation could resolve itself on Sunday or this could be the start of an in-season punter battle.

Chrisman has the lead, but it isn't over ... yet.

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