The end of the NFL preseason is as nerve-racking as it gets for hundreds of players around the league. Over 1,000 players will be cut from their teams this weekend, unsure where the next step in their careers will take them.

The Cincinnati Bengals will have to make 35 cuts prior to Sunday night’s 53-man roster deadline. If a player is playing in tonight’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, there’s a good chance he’ll be a part of that 35.

I’m not expecting any shocking decisions from Cincinnati, but a handful of names who have played significant snaps for the team over the last handful of years will not be back for the regular season. Here are five players to note before kickoff tonight.

WR Mitchell Tinsley

It was but a year ago when Mitchell Tinsley was the star of Bengals preseason. He even showed up in the clutch for a couple of regular season contests. Now I have to imagine he’s very much on the roster bubble.

With Dohnte Meyers seemingly a lock, and Colbie Young a guarantee to make it as one of this year’s fourth-round draft picks, Tinsley’s spot as one of the two non-returner wide receiver reserves may have already been taken from him. This all depends on whether or not Meyers is viewed as the new primary special teams returner. If he’s not viewed as that, Tinsley is likely the odd man out.

WR Charlie Jones

The favorite to stick around as Cincy’s return man it’s still Charlie Jones. He’s got a proven track record in the role over the last three years despite virtually zero production as an actual receiver.

Again, depending on whether or not they want to keep Tinsley and have Meyers takeover returning kicks and punts well very much determine Jones’ fate. All that he can control is remaining the top return option. It’s likely between him and Ke’Shawn Williams for the role. Jones has been around longer, so his departure would be more notable.

NT McKinnley Jackson

I don’t have much doubt about what will happen to McKinnley Jackson. A third-string nose tackle’s path to the roster was always going to be extremely tough. With the Dexter Lawrence now leading the defense, in last year’s starting NT T.J. Slaton Jr. still in the plans, there’s simply no room for Jackson.

Jackson has been looking for a fresh start for at least the last year. He requested a trade in the middle of the 2025 season. He was still relied on as emergency depth at that point. His value beyond a practice squad spot has all been expired with the Bengals.

DT Kris Jenkins Jr.

Waiving defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. would cost the Bengals a bit of salary cap space. He was the club’s second-round pick just two years ago. He’s more likely than not to stick around as a reserve. But if the defense can only afford 10 defensive linemen, and keeping seventh round pick Landon Robinson is a priority, and Jenkins would be the odd man out.

We could see Jenkins not playing in this game at all, indicating that he is safe and the team will go 11 DL on the initial 53 once again. If he is out there, though, anything could be on the table. Even a trade for a swing tackle.

Josh Newton

Like Jackson, cornerback Josh Newton is another member of the 2024 draft class who I think has played his last snap in Cincinnati. The backup jobs have already been settled at the position. DJ Ivey and third-round pick Tacario Davis are firmly behind starters DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, and Ja’Sir Taylor will be Jalen Davis’ reserve at nickelback.

Where is the room for Newton? It doesn’t seem like it exists. It wasn’t too long ago when Newton was considered a starter and a potential long-term contributor. That time is quickly passed, and barring an invitation back to the practice squad, he’ll look to become that someplace else.