The Bengals are drilling a contingency plan for punt returns ahead of Week 2 with Ja’Marr Chase, DJ Turner II and Mitchell Tinsley rotating at return duties in practice. Jermaine Burton’s mild injury keeps Cincinnati lean on special teams, and the club may lean on Chase or Turner or Tinsley for emergency reps if Charlie Jones can’t go.

The trio is positioned for real reps only if Jones is sidelined, while Burton’s gradual return from injury could shift usage. This signals a heightened emphasis on return depth without sacrificing offensive playmakers.