Bengals re-sign key reserve players Joe Bachie, Jalen Davis

The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed linebacker Joe Bachie and cornerback Jalen Davis, the team announced on Thursday afternoon.

Bachie, 25, began his career on Cincinnati’s practice squad in 2021 after the team claimed him off waivers. In his first season with the Bengals, Bachie played in nine games with two starts before he suffered a season-ending knee injury when the Bengals faced the Broncos in Week 14.

Bengals combineWill Germaine Pratt return to Bengals? What's the contigency plan at safety? We'll see.

BengalsChad 'Ochocinco' Johnson hired at Florida A&M as athletics ambassador and consultant

Due to the timing of his knee injury, Bachie spent the first part of the Bengals’ season last year on the physically unable to perform list. He was activated off the list in mid-October. He plays a regular role on special teams and was able to get on the field for 10 games in the 2022 season.

Bachie is likely to see more playing time at linebacker this season. Germaine Pratt is scheduled to become a free agent next week when the new league year begins. This means Akeem Davis-Gaither and Bachie will play bigger roles, with Bachie primed to be the top backup behind Logan Wilson and Davis-Gaither.

Davis, 27, has been the Bengals’ backup nickel cornerback and a special teams contributor for the last three seasons. His career started as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2018 where he connected with defensive coordinator Lou Aanrumo.

The former Utah State product has played in 34 games for the Bengals.