PHILADELPHIA − By Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m., there won't be any guess work involved in assessing the Cincinnati Bengals'53-man roster. By then, it'll all be official because that's the deadline to set 53-man rosters across the NFL.
In the meantime, we took the information and learnings from Cincinnati's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles
and used it for the final version of our 53-man roster projections.Without further ado, here's our best projection of which players make the cut:
Bengals quarterbacks (2)
- Joe Burrow
- Joe Flacco
Analysis: We'll reiterate what was said in our 4.0 version
of the 53-man roster projection about Josh Johnson: He's clearly won the battle to be the team's No. 3, but it's possible the 40-year-old veteran played so well this preseason that he'll get a better opportunity elsewhere. Beyond that eventuality, your top three quarterbacks are set.
Bengals running backs (3)
- Chase Brown
- Samaje Perine
- Tahj Brooks
Analysis: Tahj Brooks had a fumble against the Eagles, which might create a little separation between him and No. 2 back Samaje Perine. Other than that, the names in this group remain unchanged from the 4.0 version of our roster projections.
Bengals wide receivers (6)
- Ja'Marr Chase
- Tee Higgins
- Andrei Iosivas
- Mitch Tinsley
- Colbie Young
- Dohnte Meyers
Analysis: Dohnte Meyers looked like he was a step above the other 21 players on the field on Aug. 28. He made three catches for 51 yards - all on the opening offensive drive for Cincinnati. That should seal his roster spot. Meanwhile, Charlie Jones misses the cut even after his flourish of a performance in Philadelphia, ending his Bengals tenure. He enjoyed a productive night in the punt/kick return game in the preseason finale, and grabbed a handful of catches but that won't be enough.
Bengals tight ends (5)
- Mike Gesicki
- Drew Sample
- Erick All Jr.
- Tanner Hudson
- Jack Endries
Analysis: The tight end position is unchanged from the 4.0 version of our projections. Jack Endries, Cincinnati's seventh-round draft pick this year, was targeted three times (two catches) before exiting the contest with an injury. He would return and make a fourth catch.
Bengals offensive line (9)
- Orlando Brown Jr.
- Dylan Fairchild
- Ted Karras
- Dalton Risner
- Amarius Mims
- Jalen Rivers
- Javon Foster
- Brian Parker II
- Connor Lew
Analysis: Cody Ford was already cut from this group, and a clear standout didn't emerge during the Bengals-Eagles game in the battle for swing-tackle between Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers. It's still possible the answer there comes from outside the organization, but head coach Zac Taylor also indicated this competition can extend past the Aug. 30 6 p.m. deadline to set the 53-man.
Defensive line (10)
- Dexter Lawrence
- Jonathan Allen
- B.J. Hill
- Boye Mafe
- Myles Murphy
- T.J. Slaton Jr.
- Shemar Stewart
- Cashius Howell
- Kris Jenkins Jr.
- Landon Robinson
Analysis: McKinnley Jackson and Cedric Johnson don't survive to see the regular season with Cincinnati on the 53-man after the Bengals got a lot deeper at this position in the offseason
Bengals linebackers (5)
- Barrett Carter
- Demetrius Knight Jr.
- Oren Burks
- Shaka Heyward
- Swayze Bozeman
Analysis: Swayze Bozeman, a trendy pick to make the 53-man, ends up doing exactly that. He polished off his case with a solid night in Philadelphia.
Bengals cornerbacks (6)
- DJ Turner II
- Dax Hill
- Jalen Davis
- Tacario "Bobo" Davis
- Josh Newton
- DJ Ivey
Analysis: Tacario Davis looked like a man among boys at Lincoln Financial Field. He's ready to contribute this season.
Bengals safeties (4)
- Bryan Cook
- Kyle Dugger
- Jordan Battle
- PJ Jules
Analysis: This position group is unchanged from our 4.0 version of roster projections.
Specialists (3)
- K Evan McPherson
- P Ryan Rehkow
- LS William Wagner
Analysis: This group is ready for prime time. Evan McPherson popped three more field goals against Philadelphia with a long of 58 (and distance to spare).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who's in, out in our final 53-man roster projections for Bengals
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
