Next Tuesday's roster cutdown deadline will be a life-changing day for so many NFL players. A long day of waiting can either end in joy, or a harsh understanding of the business side of the league.

Like every team, the Cincinnati Bengals will be forced to assemble an *initial* 53-man roster by that time, and it won't be the same as the 53-man roster that travels to Cleveland for Week 1. But many of the players they cut will find themselves right back in Paycor Stadium the next day thanks to the practice squad.



Through a month of training camp and two preseason games, we can start putting together how the 16-player practice squad will look by this time next week. It would be surprising if any of these five players aren't still in the building. 

WR Shedrick Jackson

With seven receivers likely to make the cut, a safe bet would be two receivers being stashed on the practice squad. Jackson has speed that can’t be taught, a nod towards his uncle, Bo Jackson, and he’s shown that burst can be put to good use. He’s racked up 56 receiving yards on six receptions this month and would’ve had more if not for penalties. He’s also gotten four targets in each preseason contest, so his involvement has been consistent. 

TE Tanner Hudson

A fourth tight end makes little sense on the Bengals’ active roster, so that fourth will likely be on the practice squad. Hudson is the perfect choice following a strong start to camp that was snuffed out due to a concussion he suffered in the preseason opener. He will be in a prime position to contribute during the season should injuries to Irv Smith Jr. or Mitchell Wilcox occur as well. 

G Jaxson Kirkland

Offensive linemen are always needed in general, but especially during the season in order to have enough for practices. Kirkland has played a ton this preseason at both guard spots and has looked too inconsistent to push for a roster spot, but it’s far too early to give up on the lone rookie o-lineman Cincinnati added this year. The practice squad will be perfect for him. (He’s on the far left of the pic)

ED Jeff Gunter

Last year’s seventh-round pick seems like he’s on the outside looking in right now with five other edge defenders ahead of him on the depth chart. Gunter has a half-sack to his name this preseason, but that’s about it. It’s the reasoning behind him making this list and not Raymond Johnson III, who has looked phenomenal this month and may garner interest from other teams scouring the waiver wire. Still, Gunter’s very young and promising. They’ll want to keep him in the building.

CB Allan George

The Bengals will look to stash at least one corner on the practice squad. Even with six cornerbacks likely to make the team, depth at the position can never be discounted. George has been in this position before having stuck around in this capacity last year before injuries called him up to the active roster midseason. He hasn’t had the best preseason this time around, but there’s experience and potential for more development with him.

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Other Bengals players to watch

A quarterback will almost surely be added back to the practice squad, and if Jake Browning doesn't win the QB2 job, it will likely be him. If Browning makes the cut, expect Reid Sinnett or an outside addition. Could it be Brandon Allen if he gets let go by the San Francisco 49ers?

Wide receivers Kwamie Lassiter II and Trent Taylor each have compelling cases for different reasons. Lassiter is still very young and has shown up again in the preseason, while Taylor has experience playing the slot and obviously returning punts. It wouldn't be surprising to see either one stick around.

Interior o-linemen Ben Brown and Nate Gilliam each have taken turns at center this camp and preseason and have looked sharp. One of them taking over as the scout team center would be ideal.

Defensive tackle Domenique Davis would be the easiest practice squad lock ever if I knew for a fact he wasn't going to make the initial 53-man roster. He just might do it at this rate.  

At least one linebacker is likely to stick around. Keandre Jones and rookie Shaka Heyward are tied for the team lead in special teams snaps this preseason. 



On the subject of special teams, Michael Thomas would almost surely be brought back for that purpose if they opt to go with a young quartet of safeties. Drue Chrisman would likely return as well if no one else needs a punter.

Bengals 53-man roster projection heading into final week of preseason

Cincinnati’s roster is nearly set with one final preseason before cut down day.

Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK