The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up the preseason with the finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While some roster bubble players were locks before the game started, the rest of the night served as a battleground for players vying to make the final 53.
With final cuts due over the weekend, here’s an updated look at a Bengals final 53-man roster projection.
Bengals 53-man roster prediction before final cuts
QBs (2)
- Joe Burrow
- Joe Flacco
The Bengals have perhaps the best, deepest quarterback room in the NFL. But given how Joe Flacco ran the offense last year, there isn’t much of a reason to stretch and keep three.
Cut: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
WRs (6)
- Tee Higgins
- Ja’Marr Chase
- Andrei Iosivas
- Ke’Shawn Williams
- Colbie Young
- Dohnte Meyers
Dohnte Meyers has done more than enough to earn that sixth and final spot. It’s tough letting go of a Mitch Tinsley or Kendric Pryor, but his ability to create separation and establish
connection with Joe Burrow already matters.
Cut: Kendric Pryor, Charlie Jones, Xavier Johnson, Jordan Moore, Mitch Tinsley, Noah Thomas
RBs (3)
- Chase Brown
- Samaje Perine
- Tahj Brooks
This is a tough spot for the Bengals behind the first two names. There were questions at the start of the preseason and it feels like they could keep an eye on cuts around the NFL here.
Cut: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrel Bullock, Jamal Haynes
TEs (4)
- Mike Gesicki
- Drew Sample
- Erick All Jr.
- Tanner Hudson
It’s a brutally tough trim here, losing rookie Jack Endries and Cam Grandy. But there’s a chance they can still get them back on the practice squad. For now, at least, prioritizing more premium spots, especially when the wideout room is so stacked for the passing attack, is a must.
Cut: Cam Grandy, Jack Endries, Josh Kattus
OL (9)
- C Ted Karras
- LT Orlando Brown Jr.
- OL Jacob Bayer
- LG Dalton Risner
- RT Amarius Mims
- G Dylan Fairchild
- OL Connor Lew
- T-G Brian Parker II
- T Javon Foster
Javon Foster completes his strong training camp rise with a final roster spot. He and Jalen Rivers helped knock Cody Ford off the roster early. Now, he gets the nod. Look out for quiet breakout Jacob Bayer to win a spot, too.
Cut: T Andrew Coker, G Liam Brown, Jalen Rivers, T Christian Jones, T Corey Robinson II
DL (10)
- DT Jonathan Allen
- DT B.J. Hill
- DT Dexter Lawrence II
- DT T.J. Slaton Jr.
- DE Boye Mafe
- DE Myles Murphy
- DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
- DE Shemar Stewart
- DE Cashius Howell
- DT Landon Robinson
This one has felt really straightforward for a long time now, even when it comes to slipping seventh-rounder Landon Robinson on the 53. There are two new starters on the interior and an overall culture change in the trenches.
Cut: DE Isaiah Foskey, DT McKinnley Jackson, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Cedric Johnson, DT Howard Cross III, Antwaun Powell-Ryland
LB (4)
- Barrett Carter
- Demetrius Knight Jr.
- Shaka Heyward
- Oren Burks
This is…a concerning spot. It’s not even a knock on the unquestioned (by the team, anyway) starters. Last year, the depth was poor even before Logan Wilson demanded his trade. Now, the depth still looks shaky at best.
Cut: Joe Giles-Harris, Swayze Bozeman, Liam Anderson, Eric Gentry, Jack Dingle
DB (12)
- CB DJ Turner II
- CB Dax Hill
- CB Jalen Davis
- CB Ja’Sir Taylor
- CB DJ Ivey
- CB Josh Newton
- CB Bralyn Lux
- S Kyle Dugger
- S Bryan Cook
- S Jordan Battle
- S PJ Jules
- CB Tacario Davis
Bengals fans have to love seeing this as a strength these days. Boundary backups like DJ Ivey provide great depth, while a versatile veteran such as Kyle Dugger can play all over the place. Rookie Tacario Davis, quietly, received some first-team reps and enjoyed a nice summer, too.
Cut: S Daijahn Anthony, S Russ Yeast, CB Jalen Kimber, CB Ceyair Wright
ST (3)
- K Evan McPherson
- P Ryan Rehkow
- LS William Wagner
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals updated 53-man roster projection before final cuts
