The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 30-13 in their third and final preseason game of the year.
Now, we’re taking a look at how the offensive rookies performed in Philly.
Connor Lew
Lew was the Bengals’ first selection on the offensive side of the ball this past draft. While that didn’t come until the 4th round, Lew was widely projected as a top-50 prospect before tearing his ACL in late October of 2025. While he is still regaining his form, he showed he has a really bright future in the Queen
City.
There were a couple of bad reps where he struggled handling pure power, but I chalk that up to still getting back to full strength. Overall, it was another quality performance from the recently turned 21-year-old rookie.
Lew played 33 snaps during his second preseason action of the year. That was important for him to show that he can handle starting the season on the active roster. While Lew may not be asked to play a ton this season, he is incredible depth and a player that is set to be the center of the future in Cincinnati.
Colbie Young
The Bengals’ second fourth-round draft selection, Young didn’t impress nearly as much as he did during the first couple of preseason games. He finished with just 1 reception for 9 yards on the night. He played in 19 total snaps, which were 10 more than fellow wide receiver Dohnte Meyers.
Meyers ended up with 3 catches for 51 yards on his 9 snaps. Colbie Young is still a big part of the future here, but I can see him being a game-day inactive early in the season. The reason being that Meyers has earned a larger role over him to start the season. Regardless, both players will get opportunities throughout the year. It will be up to them to make the most of it.
Brian Parker II
Parker was the Bengals’ sixth-round draft selection out of Duke this year. He played mainly right tackle for the Blue Devils, but has transitioned to the interior offensive line in Cincinnati. I thought he shined throughout the preseason. He showed his versatility by playing significant snaps at both left and right guard, along with playing some center during the first week of the preseason.
Unfortunately, Parker was rolled up on late in the preseason finale. The Bengals decided to place him on IR to begin the season. This means he will miss at least the first four weeks of the season to begin the year. While that is a bummer for him, it doesn’t change his long-term projection in Cincinnati. This is a player who will likely be next in line to start at right guard whenever Dalton Risner’s time in Cincinnati is over.
The future looks really bright with an interior offensive line trio of Dylan Fairchild, Connor Lew, and Brian Parker II.
Jack Endries
It was another quiet game for Endries on Friday night. He finished the game with just 2 catches for 11 yards. While there were some concerns he could be squeezed off of the 53-man roster, the Bengals elected to keep him as the 5th tight end on Sunday night. I think Endries will be a big part of the future at the tight end position, but he is still coming along as a blocker. For that reason, I think we will see Endries start the season as a game-day inactive early in the year.
Jamal Haynes
Haynes and fellow undrafted free agent running back Kentrel Bullock were both impressive for the Bengals during the preseason finale. Bullock had 14 carries for 85 yards and scored a touchdown during the game. Haynes finished with 7 carries for 78 yards and a score of his own.
I chose to highlight Haynes for this one. He looked extremely shifty in the open field. He is built naturally low to the ground, and his footwork is so fun to watch. The converted wide receiver adds value as a pass catcher and displayed good vision throughout the night. It was an electric performance to end the preseason.
Sadly, Haynes was not kept on the 53-man roster and has not been signed to the practice squad, so he’s a free agent.
