Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster projection after second preseason game vs. WFT
After the first roster cutdown day, the Cincinnati Bengals visited the Washington Football Team in the second week of the preseason.
The end result was 17-13 loss, but the bigger takeaway was the fallout from the positional battles across the roster — especially with the second of third cutdown days on the horizon.
Here’s a look at an updated 53-man roster projection as the team preps for the final preseason game.
QB Joe Burrow
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) stands by between passes during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Don't expect to see Burrow this preseason, but he remains on pace to go for Week 1.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Brandon Allen (8) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Allen doesn't have any real competition for the backup job and continues to prove it with his preseason performances.
RB Joe Mixon
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) catches a short pass during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Bengals coaches expect Mixon to see the biggest workload of his career this season.
Dec 6, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins nose tackle Raekwon Davis (98) attempts to tackle Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine (34)during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Perine is a favorite of coaches and the primary backup, though the next guy could steal some snaps.
RB Chris Evans
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans (25) slips a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt (52) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
We're experimenting with three running backs here, mostly because Evans has looked so good and Travyveon Williams hasn't been able to stay healthy.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs a route against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Slow start or not, we've seen Chase flash in the preseason.
WR Tyler Boyd
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) catches a pass during training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Boyd should be set for a big year given the amount of weapons around him.
WR Tee Higgins
Cincinnati Bengals' Tee Higgins participates in a drill during an NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Higgins might end up as the No. 1 receiver given what we've seen from him so far this summer.
WR Trent Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Trent Taylor (11) walks back to the line between plays during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium training field in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Taylor gets a spot because of his versatility in the base offense and on special teams.
WR Auden Tate
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Auden Tate (19) catches a pass during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Tate is almost another tight end and his big-play ability makes him a stellar backup.
WR Trenton Irwin
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin (16) stiff arms Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) as he runs down the line during the first day of training camp practices at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Irwin has been impossible to miss during camp, so he gets a nod over other bubble guys.
OT Jonah Williams
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (73) warms up before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Williams is healthy going into the season and looking to lock down the left tackle spot.
OT Riley Reiff
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) watches from the sideline between sessions during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. Air temperatures reached the upper 90s Thursday, with "real feel" rising above 110 in the afternoon.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Reiff is the big-money addition from free agency tasked with fixing the right tackle spot.
OT D'Ante Smith
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle D'Ante Smith (70) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Smith has made a quick ascension at guard and made the battle plenty interesting.
OT Fred Johnson
Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Fred Johnson (74) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Johnson hasn't been overly healthy this summer, but he's still the backup swing tackle.
OG Jackson Carman
Cincinnati Bengals' Jackson Carman during an NFL football camp practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Carman is taking longer than expected to develop, but he's got one more chance to prove he should be second string.
C Trey Hopkins
Sep 13, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts with center Trey Hopkins (66) during warmups prior to a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Hopkins is back faster than expected from his ACL tear and primed to get back to starting at center.
C Billy Price
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) is congratulated by Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of a Week 8 NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals won 31-20.
Tennessee Titans At Cincinnati Bengals Nov 1
Price hasn't had the best summer, but versatility helps him stick around.
OG Michael Jordan
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) pushes off on guard Michael Jordan (60) during training camp at the Paul Brown Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Jordan was a shocker as first-string on the depth chart and he's shown some nice flashes in the preseason.
OG Xavier Su'a-Filo
Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) celebrates after a touchdown with tight end Drew Sample (89) and offensive guard Xavier Su'a-Filo (72) in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Su'a-Filo, even if he doesn't start, makes the final roster as a backup.
OG Quinton Spain
Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Quinton Spain (67) and guard Jackson Carman (79) walk between drills during the first day of Cincinnati Bengals OTAs at the Paul Brown Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Ota
Spain might have the other guard spot locked down by now.
TE Drew Sample
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) runs with a catch during the first day of training camp practices at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Sample gets another chance to live up to his second-round billing in 2021.
TE C.J. Uzomah
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28), left, and tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) celebrate after Uzomah's catch during training camp on the practice fields outside of Paul Brown Stadium in Downtown Tuesday, August 17, 2021.
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Uzomah has had a strong camp after coming all the way back from his injury and is TE1.
TE Thaddeus Moss
Aug 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Moss has the fun LSU/Burrow storyline and a very strong summer going for him.
DE Sam Hubbard
Cincinnati Bengals Sam Hubbard works out with the defense during training camp on the practice field outside of Paul Brown Stadium in Downtown Tuesday, August 3, 2021.
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The freshly-extended Hubbard looks to take a bigger leap in 2021.
DE Cam Sample
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) runs with a catch during the first day of training camp practices at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
The rookie Sample can kick inside to rush the passer, so he should get plenty of snaps.
DE Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals' Trey Hendrickson runs a drill during an NFL football minicamp practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Hendrickson, another big-money add, looks to play all over the line while wreaking havoc next season.
DE Joseph Ossai
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) eludes Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Ossai had a massive breakout in Week 1 before getting hurt and will have a huge role.
DE Darius Hodge
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Darius Hodge laughs during Bengals organized team activities on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in downtown Cincinnati.
Bengals Ota 146
Hodge is an undrafted breakout to know who continues to improve.
DE Josh Tupou
Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou during training camp Friday, August 6, 2021 on the practice fields at Paul Brown Stadium. Tupou is back with the Bengals after opting out in 2020 because of the pandemic.
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Tupou has had a superb summer after opting out last year and should start.
DT D.J. Reader
Sep 27, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carl Lawson (58) celebrates his sack with nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Reader, back from his injury, needs to be the centerpiece of the defense.
DT Larry Ogunjobi
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles away from defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Ogunjobi has been near-unstoppable in camp since returning from a slight injury.
DT Tyler Shelvin
Cincinnati Bengals' Tyler Shelvin participates in a drill during an NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
The rookie Shelvin might not see a ton of snaps, but he's got big long-term potential.
DT Mike Daniels
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Mike Daniels (76) tackles Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson (22) in the first quarter during a Week 1 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Los Angeles Chargers At Cincinnati Bengals Sept 13
It's hard to see a veteran leader like Daniels missing the roster, even if he's not technically a starter.
DL Khalid Kareem
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Khalid Kareem (90) before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Kareem has to get over an injury, but there's no reason to throw in the towel on his big upside.
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (59) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
The Bengals expect a big leap from the uber-athletic ADG in 2021.
LB Germaine Pratt
Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell (24) reacts with linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during warmups prior to the game between the Cincinnati Bengals the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Pratt is going to see a big share of the snaps and will need to keep pace next season.
LB Logan Wilson
Cincinnati Bengals' Logan Wilson participates in a drill during an NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Saturday, July 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Wilson has the communications headset now and is the leader for the unit.
LB Jordan Evans
Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Jordan Evans (50) wraps up Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) for a sack in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 4 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. The Bengals collected their first win of the season, 33-25, from the Jaguars.
Jacksonville Jaguars At Cincinnati Bengals
Evans is a quality backup and ace on special teams now.
LB Markus Bailey
Aug 27, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebackers Markus Bailey(left)and Austin Calitro(47) knock down tight end Jordan Franks(88)during training camp at the teams practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The former late-rounder is carving out a spot the hard way on special teams.
CB Darius Phillips
Jan 3, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs with the ball past Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darius Phillips (23) and defensive end Amani Bledsoe (91) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Phillips remains very dangerous on returns, provided he can stay healthy.
CB Chidobe Awuzie
Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase (1) makes a catch against Chidobe Awuzie in a drill during an NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Awuzie has been a breakout at camp, which isn't shocking given his raw potential as a starter.
CB Trae Waynes
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Trae Waynes (26) brings down tight end C.J. O'Grady (82) on a pass during a training camp practice at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Waynes has looked good in camp too, though he'll need to live up to the gigantic contract after missing all of last season.
CB Mike Hilton
Aug 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) warms up before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Hilton is the do-it-all slot man who is a big upgrade after coming over in free agency.
CB Jalen Davis
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Jalen Davis (35) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Davis has been an unexpected breakout in coverage, both during the preseason and in practice.
CB Eli Apple
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin (16) stiff arms Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple (20) as he runs down the line during the first day of training camp practices at the Paul Brown Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
A former high-draftee, Apple is carving out a nice backup role for himself.
CB Ricardo Allen
Jul 29, 2021; Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Bengals safety Ricardo Allen (37) catches a pass during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Allen's versatility to play all over the place, with maybe some situational linebacker looks, keeps him in town.
S Vonn Bell
Bengals defensive back Vonn Bell forces a fumble on a first-quarter catch by Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Juju
A heart of the locker room and quality starter, 2021 should be huge for Bell.
S Jessie Bates
Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) watches a replay on the board after the Ravens score a touchdown in the first quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021. The Ravens led 17-3 at half time.
Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals
One of the league's best returns to prove he's worth a big-money extension.
S Brandon Wilson
Jul 28, 2021; Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton runs drills against safety Brandon Wilson (40) during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
One of the league's most dangerous kick returners doubles as a quality backup.
P Kevin Huber
Aug 11, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) holds the ball as kicker Jake Elliott (3) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
No need to mix it up at punter thanks to Huber's efficiency.
K Evan McPherson
Cincinnati Bengals' Evan McPherson participates in a drill during an NFL football practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
The rookie McPherson appears to be running away with the job.
LS Clark Harris
Jan 28, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Clark Harris (46) holds his cell phone on the sidelines in the second half in the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Old reliable returns again and gets a spot.
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