The Bengals may need to sign yet another free-agent defensive tackle

After losing another defensive tackle to injury, the Cincinnati Bengals may have to sign another player at the position to replenish the depth.

The Cincinnati Bengals have had quite the flurry of hits to the interior defensive line. First, it was the news that Josh Tupou would be opting out of the season. Then, promising reserve Ryan Glasgow failed his physical and was waived. Now, it appears that the defense may be without last year’s fourth-round defensive tackle, Renell Wren.

The rumblings coming out of training camp are that Wren suffered a quadriceps injury that will cause him to miss the entire season. While fans are still waiting to see if it will indeed cause him to miss the entire upcoming campaign, it’s almost certain Cincinnati will be without him for quite some time, suggesting another move could be on the horizon.

What the Bengals’ depth chart looks like without Renell Wren

Despite losing several players, the Bengals certainly aren’t devoid of talent at the defensive tackle position. Every member of the orange and black faithful are aware of the dangerous starting duo in the interior, Geno Atkins and D.J. Reader. Behind them, Mike Daniels stands at the ready as he attempts to return to Pro Bowl form.

After those three, however, the situation turns uncertain. The only other true defensive tackles on the roster are undrafted free-agents Freedom Akinmoladun and Trey Dishon. While the former Nebraska and Kansas State standouts have some potential and plenty of collegiate experience, it’s likely the team wouldn’t feel comfortable with either one as the fourth man in the rotation at this time.

On a different note, both Andrew Brown and Sam Hubbard, who are natural defensive ends, have shown the ability to kick inside at times. The front office has acquired two defensive ends recently, (Bryce Sterk and Amani Bledsoe) so perhaps the extra depth on the outside could allow Hubbard and Brown to soak up some snaps inside. This wouldn’t be ideal and certainly isn’t a long-term solution.

If the Bengals are going to keep the defensive line as the strength of the team, they will likely need to dip their toes into the free-agent market once more. Thankfully, there are still some intriguing names available. They don’t need a splash signing similar to the Mike Daniels deal, but a proven veteran would help the situation.