Thursday, June 25th, 2015
Wenning back in football after signing with Bengals
By Gary R. Rasberry
A little over a month after being released by the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Keith Wenning signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday.
The former Coldwater and Ball State standout spent last season on the Ravens' practice squad after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
"It's an awesome feeling," Wenning said Wednesday evening via telephone. "Katie (Keith's wife) and I love being close to our families and close to home. It's a great feeling after having a year in Baltimore, 8 1/2 hours away, to be two hours away in state. Definitely a good feeling."
After his release in mid-May, Wenning continued to work out.
"After Baltimore, I still had in my mind that I wanted to continue this career, to workout and throw every day," Wenning said.
Last week he worked out at the Atlanta Falcons' mini-camp, where former Cavalier teammate Eric Lefeld is currently signed. Wenning also had workouts with Indianapolis and Detroit, which features former Parkway standout Jordan Thompson on the roster.
"All those went really well," Wenning said. "But it was about if they wanted to make a decision and make something happen."
The Bengals invited Wenning for a tryout Wednesday morning at Paul Brown Stadium.
"I had a real good workout with them in front of their quarterback coach (Ken Zampese), the owner (Mike Brown) and a couple other people," Wenning said. "They were real pleased and liked what I brought to the table."
Wenning has just over a month's break before the Bengals open training came at Paul Brown Stadium on July 24.
"Right now, I'm looking for more information from the coaching staff and (front office) people," Wenning said. "I'll continue to throw and stay in shape. When I report, I'll do everything in my power to be on top of my game and bring everything I have on the table.."
Wenning will look to challenge for a backup role behind starter Andy Dalton. The Bengals already have quarterbacks Josh Johnson and A.J. McCarron on the roster. While on the Ravens' practice squad, Wenning ran Bengals' plays during the practices leading to the teams' two AFC North meetings.
"Seeing their offensive plays on a sheet and running them (while) not being coached on them, you maybe understand the concept or not understand the concept exactly," Wenning said. "Having watched film on them, you understand a little bit. It'll feel good to actually get there and have a full training camp under my belt."
