CINCINNATI – Wide receiver/returner Alex Erickson made the Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster after leading the team in both receiving and returns this season.
    Erickson hauled in three catches for a team-high 45 yards and had six punt returns for 20 yards in the Bengals’ 7-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, Aug. 31.
    The Darlington native led the Bengals in receiving and returns in the preseason, hauling in a team-high 12 receptions for a team-best 189 yards and leading the team in kickoff returns, two for 57 yards, and punt returns, 11 for 39 yards.
    Erickson closed the preseason leading all NFL slot receivers in yards per route ran with a 3.47 average, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Cincinnati, which kept seven wide receivers and four tight ends on its’ 53-man roster, opens the regular season at home with a key AFC North contest against Baltimore on Sunday, Sept. 10. Kickoff at Paul Brown Stadium is set for 12 p.m. CST.