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Bengals Bye Week Awards: Most Improved Returning Player

With the bye week here, it’s time for some awards for the Cincinnati Bengals through the first five games of the 2026 season, starting with the most improved player. The 2025 defense gave up 28.9 points a game, ranking 30th…

By Anthony Cosenza · Cincy Jungle

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 6:42 PM

Key Things to Know

Anthony Cosenza evaluated six Cincinnati Bengals veterans for the team's most improved returning player award during their bye week.
Barrett Carter has posted 41 tackles and four tackles for loss through five games, quadrupling his 2025 TFL total.
Tight end Mike Gesicki has recorded four touchdowns in five games, doubling his entire 2025 season total.

The Story in 60 Seconds

During the Cincinnati Bengals' bye week, writer Anthony Cosenza evaluated candidates for the team's most improved returning player through five games in 2026. After ranking 30th in points allowed in 2025, the Bengals' defense improved to 11th, partly due to returning veterans elevating their performance.

Cosenza highlights six contenders: linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight, cornerback Dax Hill, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, safety Jordan Battle, and tight end Mike Gesicki, noting significant statistical leaps across the board.

Read the full article on Cincy Jungle

Bengals Bye Week Awards: Most Improved Returning Player

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