Vincent

Rey

Rey has spent the last nine seasons as a special teamer with the Bengals. The Ravens could us some linebacker depth, where Rey can backup at all three spots. 31-year-old Rey should resurface before training camp.

Peerman was active 15 times last season, but played primarily on special teams. He carried the ball just three times for 15 yards. He’s unlikely to be a part of the Bengals’ plan to replace Cedric Benson.

Rey, a 2010 undrafted free agent out of Duke, is getting a chance to stick in Cincinnati thanks to his special teams play. He had nine tackles in that role last season.

With Thomas Howard out for the season, it’s not a simple swap for the Bengals, as they do not have another LB who can play an every-down role. Dan Skuta is expected to get most of the work on early downs, with rookie Vontaze Burfict also possibly seeing snaps there. Vincent Rey would then rotate in on passing downs. There’s no IDP fantasy value to be had here.

Rey recorded 22 tackles in 16 games mainly as a special teamer in 2012, and he’ll revert back to that role this upcoming season while backing up the three linebacker spots.

The “low” tender is worth $1.431 million this season. In Hawkins’ case, it means the Bengals would receive no compensation if they declined to match an offer sheet, as Hawkins was an undrafted free agent. Hawkins was limited to 12 catches and 124 snaps after making his 2013 debut in Week 9. He began the year on I.R./recall with an ankle injury.

Backup Vinny Rey has been a revelation, forcing the coaches to keep giving him snaps no matter what. Over the last two games, he’s racked up 27 tackles, three sacks, one interception and four pass breakups. It’s the kind of production Maualuga has never been able to muster. Expect the snaps to be split fairly evenly once the Bengals come out of their bye.

Rey was injured covering a kick in the second quarter. He stayed on a knee for a couple minutes before limping off the field. Rey’s absence is a concern with Vontaze Burfict sidelined by a head injury.

Rey is filling in for Rey Maualuga (knee) and at this rate, Maualuga may never get his job back. Vinny’s three sacks Sunday were equal to the number Maualuga has posted in his entire 68-game career. He’ll be an IDP plug-n-play in Week 11 and then the Bengals will reevaluate the situation. Maualuga is expected to be healthy following the Week 12 bye.

Rey made three starts in place of an injured Rey Maualuga last season, finishing with 32 tackles and three sacks. He was an upgrade against the run and in coverage, and will be given an opportunity to earn the starting job. At worst, Rey should back up at all three linebacker spots and see snaps in sub packages.