The Cincinnati Bengals will tell you their “depth chart” prior to the preseason-opener, and then they will show you the real thing during the game.

Seeing which players directly replace starters on both sides of the ball and what they do with that opportunity against another team is huge for projecting the roster. For those on the bubble, they need not waste any chance at losing their standing.

One week of preseason has the following players in good position to keep momentum going in their favor to make the team.

Jacob Bayer

The Bengals have better depth behind their starting offensive line, but there are still a couple of spots that are wide open. Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers are ensuring that by not running away with solidifying reserve positions.

Enter Jacob Bayer, who was the second team center for most of the offseason until rookie Connor Lew was able to practice. Lou was held out of last Thursday’s game, and Bayer was quite solid in his place outside of a botched shotgun snap. He even played a little bit of guard as Brian Parker II snapped at the end of the game.

Bayer has been useful for Cincinnati and if he can play all three interior spots, he may have a case of sneaking on the team.

Swayze Bozeman

Perhaps the most notable surprise from last week was Swayze Bozeman being one of the first linebackers off the bench. He played alongside Oren Burks, who is a virtual guarantee to make the 53 purely because of special teams.

Bozeman seen the field before the lakes of Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward was noteworthy. It may come down to a battle between those two for the final LB spot.

Right now, Bozeman looks like he’s more than and out.

Kendall Milton

The non-quarterback who touched the ball the most for the Bengals was running back Kendall Milton. He had 10 carries for 21 yards and while he did fumble on a broken play, Pro Football Focus credited him with 27 yards after contact and three forced missed tackles.

Milton’s extended exposure over the lakes of Gary Brightwell, and undrafted rookie Kentrel Bullock combined with RB3 Tahj Brooks doing virtually nothing with his playing time creates an interesting angle for Milton. I don’t think the Bengals keep four RBs, but Milton may have a chance against Brooks.

Russ Yeast

The hierarchy at safety in Cincinnati is pretty clear. Kyle Dugger and PJ Jules are the clear backups to Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle, respectively. Russ Yeast isn’t likely to lobby himself as a fifth safety, but making game-winning interceptions is not the worst way to potentially push Jules.

Yeast is not new to this. He was a starter for the Los Angeles Rams not too long ago. His father played for the Bengals over 20 years ago. It would be quite the story for him to do exactly what Jules did last year and go from practice squad player, to active roster member.