The Cincinnati Bengals play football against someone other than themselves this week! That’s not the only thing going on though. We’re nearing preseason Week 1, which means the regular season is also just around the corner. There is plenty going on, though. The front office will begin the process of deciding who will make the final 53-man roster once they get some game tape on the second and third string guys, and a lot more as the greatest professional sports league in the world comes back to us.
Here are some other goings on as we approach the 24-hour mark until the Bengals’ preseason opener:
Starting this season, the NFL will allow someone other than the head coach to throw a challenge flag. The only issue with that, is the Bengals have been doing it illegally for the last several seasons.
“We’ve been breaking the rule for eight years,” Taylor joked to reporters Tuesday morning. “Because I’ve never thrown the challenge flag. Doug [Rosfeld]’s always thrown the challenge flag, and they know that. They ask you that in pregame, ‘who’s got the flag?’ So it’s never been an issue. I didn’t even know it was frowned upon, I guess, and I know that there’s other coaches in the league; I’m not the only one that’s done that.”
Tacario “Bobo” Davis, the Bengals’ third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has had a solid camp. Geoff Hobson has a nice piece on Davis’ upbringing and where his nickname came from. He’s going against the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in practice, and the Bengals are hoping that’ll transfer to the field.
The Bengals will be wearing white jerseys with black pants on Thursday night against the Lions in Preseason Week 1. The starters, or at least most of them, are taking the field to start the 2026 campaign, which includes Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence.
Chase says Joe Burrow looks more aggressive in camp. He likes it.
“His demeanor is more aggressive,” Chase said. “His face is more aggressive, the way he talks is more aggressive. He’s got a little mean mug on his face a little bit. I kind of like when he’s like that.”
Tahj Brooks has worked on his receiving skills in the offseason.
“That’s something I’ve been working on since day one of the offseason and it’s going to show this year,” Brooks said. “Making guys miss in space, being explosive after the catch, and learning all of my routes. It’s a focal point to take another step in this offense.”
