Cincinnati Bengals WR Alex Erickson won the kick-returning job over departed WR Brandon Tate. Erickson, 23, had an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown in the preseason and could potentially be in the receiver rotation, too. The Bengals likely gave him the job based on that potential. ‘He earned the opportunity for that spot,’ said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. Not that Brandon lost it, but I think Alex earned that spot with his playmaking ability.’