The Cincinnati Bengals waived 11 players on Monday to cut their roster to 79. Here's a closer look at the first 11 cuts:
Linebacker Jayson DiManche
Kicker Zach Hocker
Wide receiver Michael Bennett
Fullback Jeff Luc
Tight end John Peters
Safety Floyd Raven
Cornerback Darien Harris
Quarterback Joe Licata
Cornerback Corey Tindal
Defensive end Jack Gangwish
Wide receiver Antwane Grant
Most significant move: There weren't many surprises on this list, but the Bengals are showing they're backing veteran kicker Mike Nugent by cutting Hocker. Hocker was injured for much of camp and never had much time to prove himself. Although Nugent had a shaky day in the second preseason game against the Lions, the Bengals are obviously confident in the longtime veteran.
Return battle continues: Both Brandon Tate and Alex Erickson remain on the roster, meaning the battle for kick returner is going to come down to Thursday's game, or they're potentially thinking about keeping both wide receivers.
More to come: The Bengals will still have to make four more moves by the 4 p.m. deadline to cut their roster to 75 on Tuesday. William Jackson III, Cedric Peerman and Andrew Billings will likely go to IR, while Brandon Thompson will remain on the physically unable to perform list.
