Bengals Sign Xavier Johnson After Cutting Jermaine Burton

The Cincinnati Bengals are moving fast to give Joe Burrow a new weapon. Just days after releasing wide receiver Jermaine Burton, the team signed Ohio State’s Xavier Johnson to the practice squad. Burton’s release came less than 24 hours after his sudden suspension in Week 14, which was announced about 90 minutes before the game in Buffalo. The move became official on Monday.

Ben Baby wrote on X, “Bengals add WR Xavier Johnson to the practice squad in the wake of Jermaine Burton’s release. Johnson was on Houston’s practice squad in 2024 and hasn’t been signed this season.”

Johnson, an ex-Buckeye, brings versatility to the field. He lined up at receiver, running back, and returned kicks in college. He gives Cincinnati a player who can help in many ways if promoted to the active roster. At Ohio State, Johnson rushed for 346 yards on 40 carries, caught 26 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns, and returned 27 kickoffs for 582 yards. He’s comfortable on both offense and special teams.

So far, Johnson hasn’t played much in the NFL. After going undrafted in 2024, he spent time on the Bills and Texans practice squads. But now he has a chance to prove himself with the Bengals. With a spot open on the wide receiver depth chart, he could finally get on the field.

The Bengals are 4-9 and have a very slim playoff chance after losing to the Bills. That loss left them three games behind the Steelers in the AFC North with just four games left. Every addition counts as Joe Burrow and coach Zac Taylor try to make the most of the season.

Jermaine Burton’s release ends a troubled chapter. Drafted in the third round in 2024, Jermaine Burton had off-field issues and disciplinary problems dating back to his college days at Georgia and Alabama. He missed games last season for disciplinary reasons and had prior legal troubles. On the field, Burton played 14 games, catching four passes for 107 yards and returning 378 yards.

After the release, coach Zac Taylor wished him luck. “Today, we have decided to part ways with Jermaine… I hope a fresh start brings him growth and positive results,” Taylor stated. Jermaine Burton will go through waivers and could become a free agent if no team claims him.

Now the focus is on Xavier Johnson and whether he can turn his versatility into real help for Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

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