The Cincinnati Bengals are turning to rookie tight end Jack Endries amid mounting injuries at the position, and head coach Zac Taylor believes the seventh-round pick is ready to step up.
Taylor verbalized confidence in Endries during his Wednesday, Oct. 28, press conference, noting the rookie has done enough behind the scenes to snag a larger role.
"I'm not nervous at all about using him. I think he's earned the opportunity," Taylor said, via Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Cincinnati's tight end room has taken multiple hits over the past two games.
Tanner Hudson suffered a season-ending pectoral injury against the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 11, while Erick All Jr. sustained another torn ACL during Sunday's 35-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Their
absences have produced a shot for Endries, whom Cincinnati selected with the No. 221 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft out of Texas.
Taylor pointed to the rookie's preparation and ability to learn three different responsibilities within the offense.
Endries has appeared in three games this season without recording a reception, but the Bengals have seen enough from his work in practice and meetings to trust him.
Cincinnati also brought back Cam Grandy from the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad to bolster a position group that features Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.
In the end, though, Endries may be in line to have the ball come his way when the Bengals host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Nov. 1.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals' Zac Taylor delivers vote of confidence in rookie TE
