The Cincinnati Bengals have some really notable roster bubble players this year.
It feels that way every year, technically. But most years don’t compare to right now for the all-in Bengals.
The urgency around the Bengals means familiar names who felt like roster locks for years to come sit on the bubble after big additions at their spots on the depth chart.
With Bengals starters not playing in Friday’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, these players have the most to prove in their last chance at live action.
Bengals roster bubble players with most to prove
WR Charlie Jones
Can Charlie Jones show something in the base offense? He’s been in an open competition for his returner spot on special teams. Ke’Shawn Williams arrived via waivers last year and current breakout Dohnte Meyers has this tool in his belt,
too. Jones isn’t a lock like he used to be.
DT Kris Jenkins
Kris Jenkins was a second-round investment with upside, but the additions of Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen really showed that the Bengals weren't happy with the pace of his development. Tack on BJ Hill and TJ Slaton, and there are only so many interior spots available on the final roster. Jenkins, if playing, will audition for his roster spot, if not trade value, on Friday night.
CB Josh Newton
Josh Newton keeps fading when the lights come on. He started the offseason in an apparent “doghouse,” looked like he had turned a corner during practices, then struggled again in live-game action. Friday night is it for Newton, or the deep depth spots at a strong position will go to the likes of Ja’Sir Taylor.
OL Javon Foster
The Bengals have the starting five, plus strong rookies with Connor Lew and Brian Parker, plus Jacob Bayer breaking out at guard a bit. Bayer and Javon Foster’s emergence at tackle help explain the early release of Cody Ford. If Foster can put good film on tape on Friday, he might lock up a backup tackle spot.
RB Tahj Brooks
Is Tahj Brooks the answer or not? Third running back looked like a weakness entering training camp and honestly, the results haven’t even met those expectations. Brooks feels like a reliable, third guy behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine, but he really needs to show up in a game or the Bengals could go looking for help.
DE Cedric Johnson
How many edge rushers do the Bengals keep on a traditional depth chart? They’ve got Myles Murphy, Shemar Stewart, Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell already. That leaves Cedric Johnson in a fight with guys like Isaiah Foskey.
LB Swayze Bozeman
The Bengals claimed Swayze Bozeman on waivers in May and he’s flashed a bit in camp. Nobody will apparently knock Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter from the field, but there’s an open battle for Bozeman against names like Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward and Joe Giles-Harris.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 7 Bengals on roster bubble with most to prove in preseason vs. Eagles
