53 players remain on the Cincinnati Bengals' roster, but more are still technically on the team.
Second-year punter Bran Robbins was one of two players the Bengals placed on the Reserve/Injured list with the intent of designating them to return. This is new for clubs as players previously needed to first be on the active roster in order to then be placed on I.R. to return. Both Robbins and second-year edge defender Myles Murphy just need to stay on the list for a minimum four weeks.
Murphy will of course return and take on a significant role in the Bengals' defense, but Robbins' future is a little more questionable. Let's go back a couple weeks to get the full picture.
The Bengals entered the preseason with two punters on the roster: Robbins and rookie UDFA Ryan Rehkow. Both punted in the preseason opener.
A few days later, Robbins suffered a hip flexor injury and missed the team's final two preseason contests. He also hasn't practiced since.
Rehkow has subsequently taken all the reps and made the initial 53-man roster. If the Bengals wanted, they could've waived Robbins with an injury designation, and moved forward just with Rehkow.
But they didn't. Robbins is still in the building, and can return after a month of regular season action. This leaves the door open for the Bengals to potentially make a switch when Robbins is healthy enough to be activated.
Brad Robbins could return and take back the Bengals' punter job
Of all the positions that don't need multiple players on the roster, punter is one of them. Injuries are rare at the position, and there are always free agents available in emergency situations.
If the Bengals were totally confident in Rehkow going forward, why would they feel the need to hold onto a punter who can't even practice for the next month?
Zac Taylor did confirm that Rehkow is set to open the season as the team's punter, but he may've only won the job for now because of Robbins' injury.
As Cincinnati's lone punter in the final two weeks of the preseason, Rehkow didn't completely erase all doubts about his punting. His net average was 39.0 yards per attempt and only four of his 12 attempts were downed inside the 20. For every booming punt he had, a shank countered it.
He was competing in a roster battle with himself, and the decision to hold onto Robbins indicates the real battle isn't quite over.
Rehkow can end it entirely by having a terrific first four weeks of regular season action while Robbins watches from the sideline. The team can ultimately hold onto Robbins for the entire year on I.R. if they chose, but they'll likely give him a shot once he's healthy.
The Bengals' punter battle could've been over with Robbins injured and gone. Instead, Rekkow will have to continue proving why he should keep his newfound job.
Related: Bengals Roster Breakdown: Ryan Rehkow is on track to being the surprise of Cincinnati's offseason
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