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Bengals rookie Alex Erickson still raw despite earning kick-return job

The Bengals just couldn't find a reason to cut undrafted rookie wide receiver Alex Erickson.

Erickson battled fellow wide receiver Brandon Tate all summer for the kick returner spot. Tate, who is the team's all-time leading punt returner, had a good preseason, but didn't show the flash that Erickson did.

"I think Alex earned a spot. He earned the opportunity for that spot," said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. Not that Brandon lost it, but I think Alex earned that spot with his playmaking ability."

Tate's return average dwindled to just 6.