The upcoming return of DJ Reader for the Cincinnati Bengals has majorly overshadowed the return of defensive back and kick returner Brandon Wilson.
To a degree, it should, of course, given that Reader is a top-five player at his position.
But don’t sleep on Wilson, either. He’s consistently been one of the league’s most dangerous returners on special teams when healthy. And that might not sound like much, but Darrin Simmons hasn’t been happy with special teams so far this year.
Plus, on a smaller scale, Wilson could return as the primary returner and possibly free up explosive running back Chris Evans. Perhaps that means more looks for Evans in the base offense — something coaches have tried to explain.
Even if it doesn’t, Wilson is also quality base-defense depth. He doesn’t see a ton of snaps there, but some help is better than no help after injuries to the likes of Chidobe Awuzie, Tre Flowers and others.
Wilson isn’t expected to play in Week 11 against the Steelers as he wraps up the comeback from a knee injury. And while he won’t ever get the headlines Reader does, he’s got the ability to swing field position consistently enough that he’s worth pointing to as a big talking point.
