The Bengals are riding high off of a preseason opening win over the Lions, and the revamped defense is the center of a lot of conversation. A lot of new faces on both sides of the ball were the talk of the weekend.
Advertisement
As is often the case in summer exhibitions, rookies were one of the primary focuses. On offense, Jack Endries, Brian Parker, and Colbie Young all had their moments against Detroit. But, the Bengals’ top pick in this year’s class—Cashius Howell—is getting immediate buzz.
He shared in a quarterback sack with Kris Jenkins Jr., had a run stop, and a fumble recovery against the Lions. Because of that, summer headlines have him being an early Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
What are your thoughts on the defense and Howell’s early showings with the Bengals?
Cashius Howell’s debut earns Bengals rookie DROTY hype
Advertisement
When the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Cashius Howell this year, it reignited the production vs. upside draft debate while he reunited with former college teammate Shemar Stewart.
B.J. Hill Cleared to Practice | BENGALS ROSTER UPDATE
Bengals DT B.J. Hill has passed a physical and is cleared to practice.
Joe Flacco wasted no time giving the Bengals what they’ve desperately needed in the preseason
The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled for years to get anything meaningful out of their preseason offensive possessions.
Bengals Star Activated Off PUP List, Returning to Practice During 2026 Training Camp
Advertisement
A big add for the defense.
How the preseason opener instantly defined Bengals’ new identity
It wasn’t perfect, but just about everything from the first week of the preseason was encouraging.
2026 NFL Preseason, Week 1: What We Learned from Friday’s games
Tua underwhelms in ATL debut.
What’s next for J.J. McCarthy after lost QB battle? NFL teams skeptical he can improve and mature
Opposing teams have dug into McCarthy this summer in the event the young QB becomes available via trade
Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez continues to work way back from practice injury amid extension talks
Advertisement
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was again held out of practice on Saturday as he continues to recover from an injury he sustained in a workout last week.
Eric Bieniemy’s “intensity” could help Chiefs get back on track
The Chiefs return to action on Saturday, with their first preseason game of 2026. They have a long way to go to get back to where they were, not all that long ago.
