Predicting the Bengals' 2023 practice squad
It's a privilege to make an NFL roster, but staying in the building by any means necessary is an accomplishment on its own. This is what the practice squad can provide for 16 members of the Cincinnati Bengals' current roster.Based on how we predict the initial 53-man roster will look, here's our prediction of the […]
It's a privilege to make an NFL roster, but staying in the building by any means necessary is an accomplishment on its own. This is what the practice squad can provide for 16 members of the Cincinnati Bengals' current roster.
Based on how we predict the initial 53-man roster will look, here's our prediction of the first 16-man practice squad (Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2023 undrafted free agents).
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
Reid Sinnett | Quarterback |
Jacob Saylors** | Running back |
Shedrick Jackson** | Wide receiver |
Kwamie Lassiter II | Wide receiver |
Mitchell Wilcox | Tight end |
Hakeem Adeniji | Offensive tackle |
Jaxson Kirkland** | Guard |
Nate Gilliam | Center |
Jeff Gunter | Edge defender |
Owen Carney | Edge defender |
Domenique Davis | Defensive tackle |
Keandre Jones | Linebacker |
Shaka Heyward** | Linebacker |
Allan George | Cornerback |
Michael Thomas | Safety |
Drue Chrisman | Punter |
Let's start with the elephant who's actually not in the room: where is Raymond Johnson III?
The Bengals will undoubtedly make an offer to Johnson to return to the practice squad if they decide to cut him from the initial roster. He's simply been too good to let go of entirely, so good that he'll also garner interest elsewhere.
There's always one that gets away on waivers, and no one has flashed more for Cincinnati this month than the 24-year old edge rusher. And after spending all of 2022 on the practice squad, Johnson deserves a chance to get some playing time.
Aside from Johnson, the player who looked the best this preseason with an outside chance of making the roster is wide receiver Shedrick Jackson. He might get practice squad offers from other teams as well, but the expectation is he stays in the locker room. The same goes for defensive tackle Domenique Davis, who really shined during the first two games.
Everyone else should be able to get through waivers as the vast majority of clubs will want to focus on their own guys. This starts with a quarterback in Reid Sinnett, who threw one of the Bengals' three passing touchdowns in the preseason on his only drive on Saturday against the Washington Commanders. Running back Jacob Saylors also looked useful in his only preseason appearance over the weekend.
Tight end Mitchell Wilcox and offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji are still on the bubble to stay on the team, but if the numbers game leaves them on the outside, they should be willing to come back with the chance of being elevated in the future. Throw in safety Michael Thomas in this category as well, if he does want to keep playing.
Offensive linemen Jaxson Kirkland and Nate Gilliam each have ways to go in their respective developments, especially the rookie Kirkland who flashed early in training camp. He'll be a name to watch next year.
Linebackers Keandre Jones and Shaka Heyward were the team leaders in special teams snaps this month. Keeping them around for extra depth wouldn't harm anyone. Cornerback Allan George also got special teams reps, but his retention would be to further develop him on defense after a lackluster camp and preseason slate.
Punter Drue Chrisman should be brought back just so he can continue working for DoorDash and helping folks out. Never hurts to have a backup punter and holder behind a rookie.
Predicting the Bengals’ first official depth chart
Cincinnati’s 53-man roster is nearly set. Here’s how it will look on the first depth chart.
Featured image via © Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
