Bengals 53-man Roster Prediction: Three preseason games help determine how roster cuts will unfold
The Cincinnati Bengals leave the preseason undefeated and with 88 players on their roster. They must be down to 53 players by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET. Here’s how I predict the initial 53-man roster will look for the Bengals.
The Cincinnati Bengals leave the preseason undefeated and with 88 players on their roster. They must be down to 53 players by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Final roster cuts are upon us, and difficult decisions are about to be made by coach Zac Taylor.
Here’s how I predict the initial 53-man roster will look for the Bengals.
Disclaimer: *indicates a 2026 draft pick, **indicates a 2026 college free agent signing
Bengals 53-man roster final prediction
Quarterback (2)
In: Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco
Out: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
Johnson deserves to be a No. 2 somewhere and Clifford will make a good practice squad passer. Kudos to both of them for making Cincinnati’s preseason watchable.
Running back (3)
In: Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
Out: Kendall Milton, Gary Brightwell, Kentrel Bullock**, Jamal Haynes**
Bullock and Haynes each showed out against the Philadelphia Eagles Friday night with a combined 21 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns. I believe it’s too little too late to push Brooks off the team entirely, and there’s no real need to go four-deep here when at least one of the two rookie UDFAs should be able to come back on the practice squad.
Wide receiver (6)
In: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young*, Charlie Jones, Dohnte Meyers
Out: Mitchell Tinsley, Ke’Shawn Williams, Noah Thomas**, Kendric Pryor, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson
Meyers honestly didn’t need to play, but he did and led the way with 51 receiving yards on three receptions all from the opening drive. He’s making the team, and with Jones taking most of the punt returns and looking good doing it, Tinsley is probably getting cut. An ideal practice squad guy if he doesn’t latch on elsewhere.
Tight end (5)
In: Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki, Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson, Jack Endries*
Out: Cam Grandy, Josh Kattus**
Endries had an injury scare that turned out to be just cramps so he’s going to be okay. He’s played well enough to make the team on merit alone. As a rookie draft pick, that gives him an edge as well. They’ve gone with five before. It makes sense to do it again.
Offensive line (9)
In: Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Javon Foster, Brian Parker II*, Connor Lew*, Jalen Rivers
Out: Jacob Bayer, Andrew Coker, Christian Jones**, Corey Robinson II**, Liam Brown**
Foster looks to have gotten the nod over Rivers to be the swing tackle (for now), but I’m not ready to say the latter is off the team. The downside to keeping Rivers is waiving Bayer, who does not deserve that fate. The argument will likely come down to which of the two is more likely to make the practice squad. Rivers was a fifth-round pick last year who played significant starting snaps as a rookie. Bayer is a UDFA who’s never played in a regular season game. Nonetheless, he should be the Bengals’ top priority to retain on the practice squad.
Defensive line (11)
In: Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, B.J. Hill, Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, T.J. Slaton Jr., Cashius Howell*, Shemar Stewart, Kris Jenkins Jr., Cedric Johnson, Landon Robinson*
Out: McKinnley Jackson, Isaiah Foskey, Jordan Jefferson, Howard Cross III, Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.
Jenkins not playing at all in this game while Jackson did is very telling. It was always going to be easier for Jenkins to make it as a former second-rounder whereas Jackson’s prorated signing bonus doesn’t protect him nearly as much entering Year 3. Robinson is too good to let test waivers. They have to keep 11. Foskey is a lock for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Linebacker (4)
In: Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr., Oren Burks, Swayze Bozeman
Out: Joe Giles-Harris, , Shaka Heyward, Liam Anderson, Eric Gentry**, Jack Dingle**
They have to go light somewhere. Might as well be a weak position that will only count on two starters and as many reserves playing special teams during the games. Giles-Harris or Heyward will make it if they go five, but both should be available for the practice squad if not.
Cornerback (6)
In: DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Tacario Davis*, DJ Ivey, Ja’Sir Taylor
Out: Josh Newton, Bralyn Lux, Jalen Kimber, Ceyair Wright**
Newton had an impressive PBU in Philly, but this room was likely decided before the game. The rookie Davis had a really promising game, which may officially secure his status as the first corner off the bench.
Safety (4)
In: Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger, PJ Jules
Out: Daijahn Anthony, Russ Yeast
Jules ain’t it as a safety but that’s not why he’ll make the team. He’s one of the busiest special teamers and that’s the role of the fourth safety.
Specialist (3)
In: Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, William Wagner
One last time: no notes.
