Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bengals rookie WR returns punt for 81-yard TD

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/17/23

Unheralded Bengals rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones may have made a name for himself with a game-changing play against the Ravens.

The 24-year-old returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown against Baltimore in the first quarter, tying the game. Per Ben Baby of ESPN, it was Cincinnati's first punt return TD since 2012.

Can we get an order of Chuck? Extra sizzle. #BALvsCIN | @paramountplus, CBS pic.twitter.com/OMxpmHxKzy
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 17, 2023

Jones had an excellent senior season at Purdue, logging 110 receptions for 1,361 yards and 12 TDs in 13 games. Nonetheless, he fell to the fourth round in the draft.

It's unlikely Jones will immediately climb the Bengals depth chart despite the spectacular play. The Bengals have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL, with stars such as Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Chase made Pro Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022.

However, Jones could become a return specialist and eventually earn a more prominent role if he keeps making spectacular plays. The Bengals need a spark to avoid an 0-2 start.

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