The preseason is over, and now we just need to wait two weeks until the Cincinnati Bengals take the field for the first time in a game that matters. Until then, though, there is still plenty to discuss.
On Sunday, the Bengals announced their final 53-man roster. They made their cuts, and now they’ll prepare to put together their practice squad. Before we get to that, though, here are some guys that made the roster that may surprise some.
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We all knew the Bengals were going to have to make some tough decisions at the bottom half of the wide receiver position. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas were always going to be locks, but there were four guys vying for the last three spots.
Most thought the Bengals would either keep Jones or Tinsley, considering Jones is an accomplished return specialist, and Tinsley scored two touchdowns during last year’s regular season. That ended up not being the case, though. Instead, they opted for Williams, who caught seven passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. Jones and Tinsley combined for seven receptions.
The decision to keep Williams likely stemmed from his comfort as a return specialist as well as a receiver.
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Newton spent the vast majority of the preseason in the coach’s “doghouse, ” but it appears as if his time chained up outside could be over. It could have been his performance on Friday night, which included an athletic pass breakup down the left sideline.
Ja’Sir Taylor, who was placed on IR, was brought to Cincinnati as a free agent addition to the secondary on a one-year deal this offseason. The Bengals selected Tacario Davis in the third round of the draft, and he’ll join five other corners on the 53-man roster. Now the only corner on the roster the Bengals didn’t draft is Jalen Davis.
Daijahn Anthony might be the better safety, but Jules made the roster because of what he does on special teams. Neither Jules nor Anthony would get a ton of snaps at safety—those will go to Bryan Cook and Jordan Battle. Special teams is a big deal, though, and it’s often the best way to sneak onto a roster.
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Guard Brian Parker II would have landed on the 53-man roster, but ended up on IR with Taylor instead. His spot went to Bayer, who played well this preseason, especially as a pass blocker. Hopefully he, along with the rest of the backup offensive linemen, isn’t called upon out of necessity.
This is also a position the Bengals could address in free agency now that teams are making their final cuts.
What players, if any, surprised you by making the Bengals’ 53-man roster?
Sound off!
