The Bengals kicking game that has had as much to do with their run of five straight post-season berths as the A.J. Green-Andy Dalton connection and the Geno Atkins-led defensive line has undergone a youthful facelift less than two weeks before the opener.
On Tuesday they released their primary punt and kick returner of the last five seasons when they let go wide receiver Brandon Tate and relented to the relentless youth movement staged by rookie wide receivers Alex Erickson and Tyler Boyd in the return game.
They also mulled icing Pro Bowl special teamer Cedric Peerman for the season with a fractured left forearm that needs surgery.