The final preseason gameday is here for the Cincinnati Bengals, who will take on the Philadelphia Eagles tonight at Lincoln Financial Field, where many players are getting their final chance to prove they belong on a 53-man roster.
With that in mind, here is our latest Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster projection!
Quarterback:
Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco (2)
Completely straightforward with the two players who will make the Bengals’ initial 53-man roster here. The only question is whether the Bengals will keep both Josh
Johnson and Sean Clifford on the 16-player practice squad. If not, which one do they end up keeping there?
Running Back:
Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks (3)
The biggest question of this trio is Tahj Brooks. While he hasn’t really stood out running the football through two games, his blocking and receiving skills look to be improved. For now, Brooks makes the initial 53-man roster, but this could be a spot where the Bengals make a waiver claim.
Wide Receiver:
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young, Dohnte Meyers, Mitch Tinsley (6)
The biggest question mark is the last spot at the position. They could decide to keep Charlie Jones as the primary returner. They could opt for Ke’Shawn Williams in that spot, and potentially float Jones out as a trade candidate for a late-round pick swap. Or they could go with Tinsley as I did here. I don’t think he has had a major standout performance like last preseason, but Burrow knows he has made plays for him in the past, and that could ultimately help him claim the final spot. In this scenario, Meyers is the primary returner.
Tight End:
Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson, Jack Endries (5)
The Bengals kept five tight ends last year, and I think they will do the same again this year. If it comes down to keeping just four, both Hudson and Endries have made cases for earning that final spot. They could opt for the proven veteran or the young rookie with upside. Ultimately, I think they keep both.
Offensive Line:
Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Brian Parker II, Connor Lew, Jalen Rivers, Javon Foster (9)
The uncertainty at the swing tackle position could force them to keep both Rivers and Foster for now. If that happens, Jacob Bayer is the biggest snub for making the 53-man roster. He has been really impressive during the preseason. He can play both guard and center for the Bengals, and would be a prime candidate to sign back to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Defensive Line:
Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, Dexter Lawrence, Myles Murphy, Cashius Howell, BJ Hill, Shemar Stewart, TJ Slaton, Kris Jenkins, Cedric Johnson, Landon Robinson (11)
Unless there is a Kris Jenkins trade, the Bengals will go heavy with 11 defensive linemen. Landon Robinson has earned his spot on the roster and should be active on game days. My biggest question is whether they decide to put Shemar Stewart on IR to start the season. If that happens, it would open the door for Isaiah Foskey to make the 53-man roster.
Linebacker:
Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr., Swayze Bozeman, Oren Burks (4)
Going heavy at tight end and defensive line would mean another position would have to go light. The position could end up being at linebacker. I have Joe Giles-Harris just missing the 53-man roster in this projection. If they keep five linebackers, he is on it. They could also start him on the practice squad and call him up early in the season. He has been an integral member of our special teams units. There are other good practice squad candidates at the position, including Liam Anderson and Jack Dingle.
Cornerback:
DJ Turner, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Tacario Davis, DJ Ivey, Ja’Sir Taylor (6)
I could make an argument for Bralyn Lux or Josh Newton to nab the final cornerback spot, but the Bengals feel strongly about Taylor as the backup slot corner behind Jalen Davis. Taylor played solid during preseason game two, and likely solidified his spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster.
Safety:
Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules (4)
While Jules has had some struggles with coverage, he is making this 53-man roster for his special-teams ability. He will likely be the leader of that unit this season, and the Bengals had him serve as a captain during the game against the Bears. Russ Yeast will likely start the season on the practice squad behind these four players.
Specialists:
P Ryan Rehkow, K Evan McPherson, LS William Wagner (3)
No decisions to be made here. These spots are locked up for the foreseeable future.
