An ACL tear brought an abrupt end to Erick All‘s college career. A repeat of that injury suffered to the same knee resulted in an abbreviated rookie season and an absence spanning the entire 2025 campaign.
Things will be much different if all goes according to plan for the coming year, however. All has been able to participate in spring practices with the Bengals, and he has healed in full. Adding to his career total of just nine NFL games will be expected in 2026 as a result.
“I feel a lot better than I did when I first got here,” All said (via Sports Illustrated’s Jay Morrison). “Like, a lot better. Completely healthy, 2024 season to now. I feel like a completely different person.”
When speaking to the media about his health status, All revealed the reason for his lengthy rehab process. The surgery stemming from his college ACL tear was not done correctly, so a separate procedure was required after he tore the same ACL in 2024. A waiting period of three months took place before All’s second ACL repair could be performed. That left him unavailable through all of last season.
The initial ACL injury played a role in All falling to the fourth round of his draft class. The Michigan/Iowa product was nevertheless a key figure when on the field during his rookie season, logging a 42% offensive snap share. A notable role as a run blocker in particular could be in store once he returns to game action. Cincinnati ranked just 29th in the NFL on the ground in 2025, and improving in that regard could go help spark a trip to the playoffs this season.
The Bengals’ tight end depth chart will be topped by Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson in 2026. All will spend training camp looking to carve out a rotational role and avoiding any further issues with his knee. Provided he does, he could prove to be an impactful depth contributor on Cincinnati’s offense.