CINCINNATI (WKRC) – There are several reasons for the improvement of the Bengals defense since the bye week — not meteoric improvement, but improvement nonetheless — and according to defensive coordinator Al Golden, there is an under-the-radar reason: the insertion of a journeyman cornerback from the practice squad into a regular role.

That player is Jalen Davis, who was elevated from the practice squad for the Nov. 23 game against the New England Patriots, the second game after the bye, and later signed to the active roster on Dec. 1. He has played in each of the past five games, starting three of them, and has participated in 60% of the team’s defensive snaps during that span as the slot cornerback.

“He really settled us in,” said Golden. “He gets lined up really quickly. He puts everybody at ease around him. People don’t realize how intertwined the nickel, safety and linebackers are, pre- snap. We have a saying: ‘The nickel drives the bus,’ and he does. He’s got to make great decisions. That’s what we needed at that point. We needed somebody who’s a veteran there. We couldn’t afford to have another guy that was kind of training on the job, and he really settled us down, allowed the two young guys (rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter) inside to take that next step, and took a took a chip off the plate of the safeties, too.”

This marks the first time Davis has started a game or held a regular role in his career, which began in 2018 as an undrafted free agent signee of the Miami Dolphins. That was the first of 31 career transactions for Davis, who played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and was signed by the Bengals to their practice squad on Oct. 27, 2020. He has been with the organization since then, and while he appeared in 44 games from 2021-23, most of that work came on special teams. He has moved between the practice squad and active roster several times.

“You know when he walks in the building what you’re going to get from J.D.,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “You’re going to tremendous energy, good vibes guy, great sense of humor and a person everybody likes being around. He’s going to work. He’s got knack for making plays; great communicator; really high football IQ. All the things you’d draw up as a player. I’m sure it’s frustrating for him. I’ve had a lot of training camp, final cut days where, ‘Hey, J.D., here we are again. We know we can count on you on the practice squad and if there’s an elevation we know we can get you up here and do it.’ For him just to make the most of the opportunity you’re really happy for him. He deserves it. He works hard for it. Just a great human, great player, one of those glue guys in the locker room you have to have. He makes everybody around you happier, better. Really happy for him.”

Golden said Davis’ journey serves as a lesson for the entire team.

“You just put your head down,” Golden said. “(You) could probably ask him how many times he’s been cut, signed to the practice squad, active roster, traded, all those things. Here he is, eight years into it. He’s pretty much at this point, guaranteeing a ninth.”

According to Pro Football Reference, opposing quarterbacks have posted a 43.8 passer rating when targeting Davis this season. He has 13 tackles, including two for losses, along with a sack, a forced fumble and an interception.

“Just waiting on the opportunity,” said Davis. “Always going to do the right thing wherever I’m at and be a great teammate. I’m just going to keep on doing what I’m doing.”

Davis was a standout at Utah State, where he recorded 182 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, a school-record 37 passes defensed and 11 interceptions in 49 career games. Four of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

He played outside cornerback in college, and his 5-foot-10, 185-pound frame may have contributed to him going undrafted.

Despite that, the 29-year-old remains in the NFL and is finally getting a chance to prove himself.

“I ain’t doing this for me,” said Davis. “I’ve got a family, so I’m doing it for them. That’s always going to keep me pushing. It ain’t never too late. Always be ready, that’s what I’ve always believed.”