Bengals 53-Man Roster Projection: Who Will Make the Cut?

Cincinnati's roster is as deep as it's ever been.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Aug 16, 2023 7:45 AM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals second preseason game is just a few days away. Friday's game in Atlanta is crucial for a lot of players hoping to make the team

Here's our latest 53-man roster projection, including a bold prediction in the offensive line room:

Quarterback (2): Joe Burrow, Trevor Siemian

Both Jake Browning and Siemain have struggled. That latter will start on Friday in Atlanta. If he plays well, then he can take control of an underwhelming backup quarterback battle. If both guys struggle like they did last week, then the coaching staff and front office may have to start looking for another option behind Joe Burrow.

Running Back (4): Joe Mixon, Chase Brown, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans

This is the first major change from our pre-training camp projection. Evans has fared well up to this point, but no one has made it clear that they can slide into Samaje Perine's role as the third-down back. Williams is dealing with an ankle injury. There's a chance they keep four running backs like they did last season in hopes of finding the right rotation behind Mixon.

Wide Receiver (7): Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, Andrei Iosivas and Stanley Morgan Jr.

Irwin has had a great camp and is locked in as the fourth wide receiver behind Chase, Boyd and Higgins. Iosivas has been a bright spot during camp and Jones flashed plenty before tweaking his shoulder in practice. Some may be surprised that Morgan made it, but he's a special teams ace and likely a roster lock.

Tight End (3): Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson

Smith and Sample are roster locks. Hudson appears to be the best option for the third tight end spot when healthy. He had four catches for 29 yards against the Packers before suffering a concussion.

Mitch Wilcox is still on the PUP list, but if he comes back soon, there's still time for him to make his case for the 53-man roster. Devin Asiasi is also in the mix, but is the worst pass catcher vying for that third spot. The Bengals could also decide to keep three running backs and four tight ends.

Offensive Line (9): Orlando Brown Jr., Jonah Williams, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Cordell Volson, D'Ante Smith, Hakeem Adeniji, Cody Ford and Trey Hill

This is by far the deepest offensive line room the Bengals have had in years. Williams grabbed ahold of the starting right tackle job, as expected.

What does that mean for Jackson Carman? Well, with La'el Collins (ACL) improving daily, the Bengals could shop him and see if the former second-round pick has any trade value.

Smith has had a great camp and the team likes what Adeniji brings to both tackle spots. Zac Taylor went out of his way to praise Ford earlier this week and Hill likely has the edge over Max Scharping since he has more experience at center.

Ben Brown and Jaxson Kirkland were always long-shots to make the roster. Carman could still make the team, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the front office try to move him, much like they did with Billy Price prior to the 2021 campaign.

Defensive End (5): Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, Cam Sample and Myles Murphy

Tarell Basham's injury (ankle) makes this a bit easier for Cincinnati. It's a crowded room, but the veteran has missed most of camp. These five were always roster locks.

Is there still time for Basham to convince the staff to keep six defensive ends? Even if he practices and plays well over the next few weeks, it may be too little, too late.

Defensive Tackle (5): DJ Reader, B.J. Hill, Zach Carter, Josh Tupou and Jay Tufele

Tufele was a force for the Bengals against the Packers. Reader, Hill, Carter and Tupou all appear to be safe. The only wild card in this room is Domenique Davis. Could he push for a roster spot?

There doesn't appear to be room for him. Would they move Tupou to make room?

It's unlikely, but Davis certainly has my attention going into Friday's game.

Linebacker (5): Germaine Pratt, Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Joe Bachie and Markus Bailey

The linebacker position appears to be one of the easiest to project. All five of these guys appear to be locks to make the final 53-man roster.

The other linebackers could be practice squad candidates if they play well over the next few weeks.

Cornerback (6): Chidobe Awuzie, Mike Hilton, Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II, DJ Ivey and Jalen Davis

This is another deep room that leaves some interesting names without a roster spot.

Awuzie continues to look great coming off of an ACL injury and is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Cam Taylor-Britt has battled with Chase and Higgins in camp and it looks like he's going to make a second-year leap. Turner has arguably been the Bengals' most impressive rookie.

The major change here is Ivey getting the nod over Allan George and Sidney Jones IV. Ivey has flashed all offseason long and even though it didn't full translate in the preseason opener, he has a good shot of pushing Jones for that final roster spot.

The veteran is still firmly in the mix, as is George, but Ivey would get the nod if the season started today.

Safety (4): Dax Hill, Nick Scott, Tycen Anderson and Jordan Battle

Mike Thomas is the odd man out. Anderson's two interception performance against the Packers should erase any doubt about the second-year safety from Toledo.

Hill and Scott are entrenched as starters. This quartet is young, athletic and versatile.

Specialists (3): Evan McPherson, Brad Robbins and Cal Adomitis

Robbins has been great in camp and had a solid debut. McPherson and Adomitis are roster locks.

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