The Bengals released 11 players on Friday to trim their roster to 75, but they still need to cut 22 more by 4 p.m. Tuesday to meet the NFL’s 53-man roster requirement for the regular season.
In addition to managing roster numbers across positions, the Bengals are dealing with numerous injuries. The defensive line has been especially affected, with backup end-tackle Cam Sample (Achilles) out for the season, rookie backup defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson (knee) sidelined since early training camp, and backup edge rusher Myles Murphy (knee) now on a week-to-week basis following an injury during last Tuesday’s practice against the Colts.
Backup running back Chris Evans (knee) and backup tackle D’Ante Smith (knee) are also out for the season, which means the Bengals will likely scrutinize the waiver wire more than last year. Consequently, their roster might appear unusual after the initial cuts (e.g., five tight ends or seven wide receivers) until potential waiver wire additions. They’ll also need to fill 16 practice squad spots, starting with the recent release of 11 players.
Here’s a snapshot of the roster before the final cuts (NFL seasons in parentheses):
Quarterbacks (3): Joe Burrow (5), Logan Woodside (5), Jake Browning (2). Burrow has shown resilience and leadership, notably asserting he’s ready for Opening Day despite a challenging practice.
Wide Receivers (9): Tee Higgins (5), Trenton Irwin (5), Ja’Marr Chase (4), Andrei Iosivas (2), Charlie Jones (2), Kendric Pryor (2), Shed Jackson (1), Cole Burgess (R), Jermaine Burton (R). The Bengals are likely to keep their usual six, with Jones and Burton making strong cases with their preseason performances.
Tight Ends (6): Mike Gesicki (7), Drew Sample (6), Tanner Hudson (5), Erick All Jr. (R), Cam Gandy (R), Tanner McLachlan (R). All have generated significant buzz, and the tight-end group appears to be the deepest in years.
Running Backs (4): Trayveon Williams (6), Zack Moss (5), Chase Brown (2), Elijah Collins (R). With Evans out, the Bengals will likely keep three running backs and explore the waiver wire.
Offensive Line (12): RT Trent Brown (10), C Ted Karras (9), LT Orlando Brown Jr. (7), RG Alex Cappa (7), G-T Cody Ford (6), C-G Trey Hill (4), LG Cordell Volson (3), T Devin Cochran (2), C Nate Gilliam (1), G Jaxson Kirkland (1), C Matt Lee (R), RT Amarius Mims (R). The Bengals released Jackson Carman and are managing injuries and backups as they build depth along the line.
Defensive Line (15): T Sheldon Rankins (9), E Trey Hendrickson (8), T B.J. Hill (7), E Sam Hubbard (7), E Joseph Ossai (4), T Jay Tufele (4), T Zach Carter (3), T Carlos Davis (3), T Travis Bell (2), E Myles Murphy (2), T Domenique Davis (1), E Justin Blazek (R), T McKinnley Jackson (R), T Kris Jenkins Jr. (R), E Cedric Johnson (R). Injuries have created challenges, and decisions will need to be made on whether to use IR returns for Jackson and Murphy.
Linebackers (7): Germaine Pratt (6), Joe Bachie (5), Akeem Davis-Gaither (5), Logan Wilson (5), Devin Harper (3), Shaka Heyward (1), Maema Njongmeta (R). The final linebacker spot will be contested, with Njongmeta and practice squad players vying for the spot.
Secondary (15):S Vonn Bell (9), CB Mike Hilton (8), CB Jalen Davis (5), S Geno Stone (5), S Tycen Anderson (3), CB Dax Hill (3), CB Cam Taylor-Britt (3), S Jordan Battle (2), CB Nate Brooks (2), CB DJ Ivey (2), CB DJ Turner II (2), S Daijahn Anthony (R), S PJ Jules (R), CB Josh Newton (R), CB Lance Robinson (R). Despite another injury, the Bengals are focusing on a deep secondary with a mix of experienced and emerging players.
Specialists (4): K Evan McPherson (4), LS Cal Adomitis (3), P Brad Robbins (2), P Ryan Rehkow (R). Robbins is dealing with an injury, and Rehkow has shown promise as a punter despite some inconsistency.
