Bengals Claimed Linebacker Jack Kiser Off Waivers

The Cincinnati Bengals added linebacker Jack Kiser to the active roster following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Bengals Claimed Linebacker Jack Kiser Off Waivers

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The Cincinnati Bengals claimed linebacker Jack Kiser off waivers on October 12, 2026. The move comes after the Jaguars waived the former Notre Dame standout earlier in the week.

Why it matters

The team needed to bolster their linebacker depth after placing Swayze Bozeman on the reserve/injured list. Bozeman is sidelined following a broken forearm.

Jack Kiser stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 231 pounds. During his 2025 rookie season, he recorded 10 defensive tackles and four special teams tackles.

The players

Jack Kiser

He is a linebacker and University of Notre Dame graduate who was a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Swayze Bozeman

He is a Cincinnati Bengals linebacker who has been placed on the reserve/injured list with a broken forearm.

Cincinnati Bengals

This professional American football team competes in the AFC North division of the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars

This professional American football team competes in the AFC South division of the NFL.

The details

Kiser was a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft who appeared in 14 regular-season games for the Jaguars last year. The Bengals completed the acquisition through the league waiver process after the Jaguars let him go on October 10.

Jack Kiser was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kiser played 14 games for Jacksonville during the 2025 season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars waived Jack Kiser on October 10, 2026.
The Cincinnati Bengals acquired Jack Kiser on October 12, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This roster move helps the Bengals maintain defensive depth during a critical mid-season stretch. It adjusts the team's defensive rotation following the loss of a key contributor to injury.

Kiser fills the active roster spot vacated by Bozeman, providing immediate depth for the Bengals' special teams and linebacker corps. His arrival helps stabilize the unit's rotation while Bozeman recovers.

The takeaway

The Bengals acquisition of Kiser highlights the importance of leveraging the waiver system to address sudden roster gaps. Fans should watch for Kiser to compete for snaps on special teams in the coming weeks.