Bengals Bring Back Chris Crocker, Release TE Donald Lee

Sept 18, 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Chris Crocker (42) during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Bengals 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

The secondary continues to be the achilles’ heel of the Bengals, and with CB Nate Clements having started at safety last week vs. the Redskins, but is now appearing on the injury report after missing yesterday’s practice, the Bengals clearly felt they needed some insurance, and the best option on the market was last years’ starting strong safety, Chris Crocker:

#bengals sign S Chris Crocker, another move TBD

— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) September 27, 2012

Crocker had been signed through this season and was scheduled to make $1.9 million this year, but was cut this offseason after he reportedly had knee problems, and no other team opted to sign him. With the current situation at safety, it’d be a safe bet to see him on the field vs. the Jaguars this weekend.

The Bengals also have announced they’ve released backup TE Donald Lee, who was expected to open the season as the teams’ primary backup behind Jermaine Gresham, but has been hindered this year with a thigh injury, and has missed all three games thus far, signaling that the injury may be worse than they’re letting on if the felt Richard Quinn was a better roster option than Lee.

Happy to have Chris Crocker back on the team and in the Locker Room BUT sad to see Donald Lee go #Bengals

— Thomas A. Howard (@Mr53) September 27, 2012