As the Cincinnati Bengals wrap up their preseason with a perfect 2-0 record—though the wins themselves carry little weight—the real competition is for the final spots on the 53-man roster. After a commanding 27-9 victory over the Chicago Bears at Paycor Stadium on August 22, 2026, the coaching staff faces some tough decisions. With the regular season looming, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down the latest roster projection, highlighting the players who have earned their place and those who may be on the chopping block.
Quarterback and Skill Positions: Stability and Rising Stars
At quarterback, the Bengals are set with Joe Burrow and veteran backup Joe Flacco. Sean Clifford and Josh Johnson, who both showed flashes against the Bears, will be casualties of the numbers game. In the backfield, Chase Brown and Samaje Perine are locks, with Tahj Brooks earning the third spot after a strong camp. The wide receiver corps remains deep, with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins leading the charge. Andrei Iosivas, Dohnte Meyers, Mitchell Tinsley, and Colbie Young—who caught a touchdown against the Bears—round out the group. Notably, Charlie "Chuck Sizzle" Jones, a fan favorite, is projected to be cut, as the team opts for upside over experience.
Offensive Line Shuffle: Javon Foster Steps Up
The offensive line has undergone a significant update. Cody Ford, who struggled in the preseason, was released on Monday, opening the door for Javon Foster. Foster impressed with a 73.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among Bengals linemen in the Bears game, and he saw time at both tackle spots. The projected line includes Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, and Amarius Mims, with Foster providing versatile depth. The team may still look to add a swing tackle via waivers or trade before the season opener.
Defensive Reinforcements: A Transformed Front Seven
The defensive line has been completely overhauled, and the results are showing. The projected unit includes Boye Mafe, Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, and Shemar Stewart, with Myles Murphy, B.J. Hill, Kris Jenkins Jr., and T.J. Slaton Jr. providing depth. Landon Robinson, an undrafted free agent, has been a revelation and is expected to make the team, potentially earning meaningful snaps in a deep rotation. This group has gone from a weakness to a strength in just one offseason, a testament to the front office's aggressive approach.
Linebackers and Secondary: Competition Heats Up
At linebacker, Demetrius Knight Jr., Barrett Carter, and Oren Burks are locks, with Swayze Bozeman and Liam Anderson impressing enough to earn the final two spots. The secondary is led by DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, and Jalen Davis, with DJ Ivey, Ja'Sir Taylor, and Tacario Davis rounding out the cornerback group. The safety position features Bryan Cook, Jordan Battle, Kyle Dugger, and Daijahn Anthony, who edges out PJ Jules for the final spot. Special teams remain solid with Evan McPherson, Ryan Rehkow, and William Wagner.
As the Bengals finalize their roster ahead of the September 10 season opener against the Cleveland Browns, these projections could shift based on last-minute roster moves. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor the situation, providing in-depth coverage and exclusive insights. For the latest updates and official Bengals merchandise, visit Vulius.com.
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