As the Cincinnati Bengals wrap up their second preseason game with a decisive 27-9 victory over the Chicago Bears, the coaching staff's roster decisions are becoming clearer—yet the competition for the final spots remains fierce. With the regular season looming and the team's starters resting on Saturday night, the depth players seized their moment, and now the front office faces some intriguing choices. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this is version 2.0 of our 53-man roster projection, with a focus on who has solidified their spot and who is still fighting for a job.
Offense: Solidifying the Core
The offensive side of the ball sees few surprises among the locks. Quarterback Joe Burrow remains the undisputed leader, backed by veteran Joe Flacco, whose experience provides invaluable insurance. At wide receiver, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are elite starters, but the battle for the WR4 and WR5 roles has been won by Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young, who have outperformed Charlie Jones in training camp. Jones, known for his return skills, now finds himself on the bubble, competing with Mitch Tinsley for the WR6 spot. The running back room is set with Chase Brown, Tahj Brooks, and Samaje Perine, while the offensive line, though anchored by Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, still lacks a proven swing tackle—a potential concern highlighted by our analysis desk.
Offensive Bubble Battles
- Quarterback: Sean Clifford and Josh Johnson are competing for the QB3 role, but the team might keep only two quarterbacks on the active roster.
- Wide Receiver: Charlie Jones vs. Mitch Tinsley for the final receiver spot—Jones's return ability vs. Tinsley's consistency.
- Tight End: Tanner Hudson's fate depends on whether the Bengals keep four or five tight ends; currently, he's on the outside looking in.
Defense: A Wealth of Talent
The defensive line is a fortress, with Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and BJ Hill leading a rotation that could dominate in the postseason. The linebacker corps, anchored by Oren Burks, Demetrius Knight Jr., and Barrett Carter, is solid, but depth is a concern. In the secondary, DJ Turner, Dax Hill, Bryan Cook, and Jordan Battle are locks, but the final cornerback and safety spots are up for grabs, with players like Josh Newton and Daijahn Anthony battling for roster spots.
Defensive Bubble Battles
- Linebacker: The fourth and fifth spots are open, with Shaka Heyward and Joe Giles-Harris among the contenders.
- Cornerback: Ceyair Wright and Ja'Sir Taylor are competing for the last cornerback role, but special teams value could tip the scales.
- Safety: The final safety spot is a toss-up between PJ Jules and Russ Yeast, with the team possibly looking to free agency for depth.
"The competition is intense, and every rep matters. These preseason games are crucial for evaluating who can step up when the lights are brightest," a team source told Vulius Sports.
As the Bengals prepare for their final preseason game, the coaching staff faces tough decisions. The offensive line remains a priority, and a veteran swing tackle could be signed before the season opener. Meanwhile, the defensive depth is a luxury, but the team must ensure they keep the right mix of youth and experience. Stay tuned to Vulius for final roster predictions and in-depth analysis as the Bengals finalize their 53-man squad.
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