Sports

Bengals updated 53-man roster projection before final cuts

Nairavoice · Aug 29, 2026 · 3 min read

The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up the preseason with the finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

While some roster bubble players were locks before the game started, the rest of the night served as a battleground for players vying to make the final 53.

With final cuts due over the weekend, here’s an updated look at a Bengals final 53-man roster projection.

Joe Burrow
Joe Flacco

The Bengals have perhaps the best, deepest quarterback room in the NFL. But given how Joe Flacco ran the offense last year, there isn’t much of a reason to stretch and keep three.

Cut: Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford

Tee Higgins
Ja’Marr Chase
Andrei Iosivas
Ke’Shawn Williams
Colbie Young
Dohnte Meyers

Dohnte Meyers has done more than enough to earn that sixth and final spot. It’s tough letting go of a Mitch Tinsley or Kendric Pryor, but his ability to create separation and establish connection with Joe Burrow already matters.

Cut: Kendric Pryor, Charlie Jones, Xavier Johnson, Jordan Moore, Mitch Tinsley, Noah Thomas

Chase Brown
Samaje Perine
Tahj Brooks

This is a tough spot for the Bengals behind the first two names. There were questions at the start of the preseason and it feels like they could keep an eye on cuts around the NFL here.

Cut: Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Kentrel Bullock, Jamal Haynes

Mike Gesicki
Drew Sample
Erick All Jr.
Tanner Hudson

It’s a brutally tough trim here, losing rookie Jack Endries and Cam Grandy. But there’s a chance they can still get them back on the practice squad. For now, at least, prioritizing more premium spots, especially when the wideout room is so stacked for the passing attack, is a must.

Cut: Cam Grandy, Jack Endries, Josh Kattus

C Ted Karras
LT Orlando Brown Jr.
OL Jacob Bayer
LG Dalton Risner
RT Amarius Mims
G Dylan Fairchild
OL Connor Lew
T-G Brian Parker II
T Javon Foster

Javon Foster completes his strong training camp rise with a final roster spot. He and Jalen Rivers helped knock Cody Ford off the roster early. Now, he gets the nod. Look out for quiet breakout Jacob Bayer to win a spot, too.

Cut: T Andrew Coker, G Liam Brown, Jalen Rivers, T Christian Jones, T Corey Robinson II

DT Jonathan Allen
DT B.J. Hill
DT Dexter Lawrence II
DT T.J. Slaton Jr.
DE Boye Mafe
DE Myles Murphy
DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
DE Shemar Stewart
DE Cashius Howell
DT Landon Robinson

This one has felt really straightforward for a long time now, even when it comes to slipping seventh-rounder Landon Robinson on the 53. There are two new starters on the interior and an overall culture change in the trenches.

Cut: DE Isaiah Foskey, DT McKinnley Jackson, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Cedric Johnson, DT Howard Cross III, Antwaun Powell-Ryland

Barrett Carter
Demetrius Knight Jr.
Shaka Heyward
Oren Burks

This is…a concerning spot. It’s not even a knock on the unquestioned (by the team, anyway) starters. Last year, the depth was poor even before Logan Wilson demanded his trade. Now, the depth still looks shaky at best.

Cut: Joe Giles-Harris, Swayze Bozeman, Liam Anderson, Eric Gentry, Jack Dingle

CB DJ Turner II
CB Dax Hill
CB Jalen Davis
CB Ja’Sir Taylor
CB DJ Ivey
CB Josh Newton
CB Bralyn Lux
S Kyle Dugger
S Bryan Cook
S Jordan Battle
S PJ Jules
CB Tacario Davis

Bengals fans have to love seeing this as a strength these days. Boundary backups like DJ Ivey provide great depth, while a versatile veteran such as Kyle Dugger can play all over the place. Rookie Tacario Davis, quietly, received some first-team reps and enjoyed a nice summer, too.

Cut: S Daijahn Anthony, S Russ Yeast, CB Jalen Kimber, CB Ceyair Wright