Bengals at Vikings Inactives: Rookie UDFA makes his debut with injured Shemar Stewart sidelined
Here are the players who will not dress for the Bengals in Week 3.
The Cincinnati Bengals are getting ready for kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings. Before the game begins, each team has released their inactive players list.
Here are the Bengals players who will not play against the Vikings:
- WR Jermaine Burton
- TE Tanner Hudson
- DT McKinnley Jackson
- DE Shemar Stewart
- CB Cam Tayl0r-Britt
Shemar Stewart’s injury allows rookie DT Howard Cross III to make NFL debut
With Stewart nursing an ankle sprain that forced him to miss all week of practice, Cincinnati’s next-man-up along the defensive line will be Cross, an undrafted free agent signing from this offseason. Cross made the initial 53-man roster after impressing in both training camp and preseason action. His dressing today also signals he’s ahead of second-year DT McKinnley Jackson, who will be a healthy scratch once again. Jackson has yet to play this season.
Howard Cross Career Facts
- Cross played six years of college football at Notre Dame. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden was his DC for three of those years (2022-24).
- Cross went undrafted following the 2025 NFL Draft, and Cincinnati signed him as one of 14 college free agents.
- Cross recorded six total tackles and three pressures during three preseason games for the Bengals in August.
Burton has also yet to play this season as he remains firmly behind Mitchell Tinlsey. The Bengals called Tinsley’s number last week against Jacksonville for his first NFL target, and he turned it into a one-handed touchdown catch. Consider Tinsley WR4 for the time being.
Taylor-Britt (hamstring) was officially doubtful to play and will not go after trying to go through a pregame workout. He suffered his injury early in the week of practice. DJ Turner II (hamstring) was questionable but will play. Josh Newton figures to start for Taylor-Britt, and Marco Wilson will be active as a backup for the first time this season.
Tight end Cam Grandy will also be active for the first time as Hudson will be a healthy scratch.
NFL
How to watch and listen to Bengals’ Week 3 game against Vikings with kickoff time, viewing options, and more
Here is how you can watch Cincinnati’s Week 3 game against Minnesota.
