CINCINNATI -- In the wake of receiver James Wright's addition to the injured reserve earlier this week, the Cincinnati Bengals signed veteran Greg Little and another wideout Thursday in hopes of filling the vacancy.
It's a return to the Queen City for Little, who spent six regular-season games and the playoff contest with the Bengals last season. Targeted 11 times in the regular season, he caught six passes for 69 yards. He also had two drops -- both of which came in his first two games with the team.
Little, part of a five-man tryout Thursday that also included veteran Santonio Holmes, was left standing with rookie Desmond Lawrence. An undrafted free agent, Lawrence was originally signed out of North Carolina A&T by the Detroit Lions. They cut him May 12.
In his 2013 and 2014 college seasons, Lawrence caught 79 passes for 789 yards and five touchdowns. An East Carolina transfer, he also ran track, earning All-America honors in the 100 meters. The former sprinter perfectly fits the mold of shifty, quick and fast receiver the Bengals have been adding to their roster. Their seventh-round pick, Mario Alford, ran a sub-4.3 40-yard dash during his pro day. A similarly quick veteran, Denarius Moore, was also added to the ranks in free agency.
Little's signing corresponded with a move that sent longtime reserve Cobi Hamilton packing. Hamilton was cut after spending parts of the past two seasons with the Bengals. He was cut once last year before getting brought back. His only career game was January’s playoff loss against the Indianapolis Colts. The Bengals were depleted by injury at the pass-catching positions that game. Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham were among those unavailable.
Inked to a one-year deal, Little was brought back to Cincinnati after being cut going into free agency this spring.
In addition to the Little, Lawrence and Hamilton moves, the Bengals also placed linebacker Rey Maualuga on the active/non-football injury list. It means he won't participate in practices when training camp opens Friday, but he will be allowed to rejoin the team whenever doctors clear him.