In order to make room on the roster for Vontaze Burfict the Bengals waived after Thursday’s practice fellow linebacker Hardy Nickerson, a heavily-pursued undrafted free agent from Illinois that impressed the Bengals enough to make the Opening Day roster. Nickerson, a middle linebacker, played in all three games on special teams. If he clears waivers they’ll most likely try to sign him to the practice squad.
Starting safety Shawn Williams (knee) returned to practice Thursday in limited fashion and the other starting safety George Iloka (hamstring) went full. but tight end Tyler Eifert (back), wide receiver John Ross (knee), backup linebacker Jordan Evans (hamstring), and backup safety Derron Smith (ankle) sat for the second straight day and likely won’t play Sunday (1 p.