Who Should I Start? Mitchell Tinsley or Javon Baker

Tuesday, February 4, 7:44 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Tuesday that they signed free-agent wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley to a Reserve/Futures deal. Tinsley will not count on the team's active list until after the Super Bowl on Monday, Feb. 10. The 25-year-old went undrafted out of college in 2023 but eventually latched on with the Washington Commanders. He was active for two games with the Commanders in 2023 but wasn't targeted at all. Tinsley spent all of the 2024 campaign on the team's practice squad. He will now head to the AFC and continue his development with the Bengals all offseason up through training camp. If Tinsley sticks around beyond camp, he'll likely open the regular season this fall on Cincy's practice squad. Tinsley played collegiately at Hutchinson Community College, Western Kentucky and Penn State.

Wednesday, December 11, 9:45 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker (concussion) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice as he battles through the league's concussion protocol. It's unclear when the 22-year-old picked up his injury. Baker played just two snaps in New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, so it's possible it happened then. Though, it's a bit concerning that he's still in the league's protocol even after a bye in Week 14. He'll have two more chances to elevate his practice status ahead of the Patriots' Week 15 outing against the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie wideout has yet to haul in a pass this season but has worked as a return man for the Pats. If Baker can't play, running backs Antonio Gibson and JaMycal Hasty will handle most of the return duties.