The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the final week of the preseason action before the 2025 campaign officially begins, and we have seen a lack of action from some starting-caliber players.
Head coach Zac Taylor spoke to the media on Wednesday, and while he said no starters would play in the preseason finale, he was able to give us updates on several key players.
Luckily, it sounds as if all of these players will be ready to go in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
Outside of Cody Ford, all of the players on the list above are expected to be starters, so it is refreshing to hear Taylor say they would be able to play if it were the regular season.
Lucas Patrick left last week’s game, and Taylor confirmed that the injury is not as bad as they originally thought it would be. With Cordell Volson expected to miss the entire season with a shoulder injury, Patrick and Ford are both going to be that much more important.
Tight ends Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki will both be contributors early on, and with them on track for Week 1, the offense should be in good shape.
Myles Murphy will likely be a starting defensive end in Week 1, regardless of what happens with Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals chose to rest him last week in an effort to ensure he is ready to start the season.
All things considered, the Bengals should be relatively healthy when their season kicks off in Cleveland.
