We went into Philadelphia without a single starter, won by 17, and finished the preseason 3-0 for the first time since 2006. Roster cuts are due by 6 p.m. tonight.
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THE PRESEASON
First 3-0 Preseason Since 2006
No starters, no problem. The backups went into Philadelphia and won by 17, running for 211 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Kentrell Bullock led the team with 85 rushing yards and a score. Jamal Haynes, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Tech who had one carry coming in, went seven times for 78 yards and finished it with a 39-yard touchdown that had no business going the distance. Evan McPherson was perfect on the night, making all eight field goals this preseason including a 58-yarder.
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THE ROSTER
Cut Day Decisions Are Legitimately Difficult
The wide receiver room is the hardest call. Chase, Higgins, and Iosivas are set. Behind them, Young, Meyers, and Tinsley have all made strong cases, which puts Charlie Jones and Ke'Shawn Williams fighting for whatever space is left. Jones has been one of the better return men on this team for years. Meyers finished the preseason as the team's leading receiver and logged meaningful return yards as well.
At tight end, the Bengals are likely carrying five among Gesicki, Sample, All, Hudson, and Endries, though Endries left Friday's game with an injury and returned in the fourth quarter. On defense, Landon Robinson had a half-sack Friday, third preseason game in a row on the sheet, still pushing McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins for a spot. Jalen Rivers, Javon Foster, and Andrew Coker are still competing for the swing tackle job, with the door open to a free agent addition if none of them grab it.
Also, Tacario Davis, the third-round corner, broke up a pass on the opening drive and turned a tipped ball into his first NFL interception in the second quarter, returning it 15 yards. The coaches planned to use him in specific packages against bigger receivers.
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THE OFFENSE
Burrow Stayed 40 Minutes After Practice to Work With Dohnte Meyers
With Chase sitting out Wednesday, Meyers took first-team reps, then stayed on the field with Burrow afterward to work routes. Meyers said it wasn't unusual, they've done it repeatedly this camp, but Wednesday was the most extensive session yet. Burrow told the story after the first preseason game about texting Meyers in the spring, asking if he could come throw the next day. Meyers drove from Atlanta overnight to be there at 11 a.m. "That's the kind of guy that he is," Burrow said. The former CFL receiver, Grey Cup champion, and onetime DoorDash driver finished the preseason as the team's leading receiver.
Separately, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said that Iosivas "had a good camp all the way around." Young is a promising rookie and Meyers has been explosive, but Iosivas has the longer relationship with Burrow and the coaching staff's trust.
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THE INJURIES
Chase Called It a Tweak
Chase came down on his left knee during Tuesday's practice reaching back for a catch against DJ Turner II. Turner helped him off the field. Then Chase got on the radio: "I sat back down on the ground. I just took a minute to pray, then I got back up." He called it a tweak, a little hyperextension, said he could have kept playing if needed. He didn't practice Wednesday, wore no brace or wrap, and Taylor deferred entirely to Chase's own words on his status.
Also, Bryan Cook returned to practice in pads this week. Dax Hill is still on the rehab field but increasing his running. Taylor: "They're progressing. They started running a little bit more on the side of the rehab field." Neither played Friday.
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THE FRONT OFFICE
Cody Ford Released, Swing Tackle Search Still Open
Ford spent three years in Cincinnati and gave the team whatever role it asked of him. Taylor said the early release was out of respect for Ford. "He gave us three good years of football. Now I wish him the best on the next part of his journey."
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COMING UP
Regular season opens September 13 at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
🐯 Who Dey. See you next week.
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Bengal Jim & Friends Updates
Tailgate Bourbon
🥃 Order your Bengal Jim & Friends Tailgate Bourbon here. Numbered bottles!
✍️ Pick it up at Wenzel in Covington during business hours
❤️ $20 from every bottle goes to the Jovante Woods Foundation
On the Podcast
We're thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Blackburn, Vice President of the Cincinnati Bengals, to Talking Football with Bengal Jim & Friends this Tuesday night!
🗓️ Tuesday | 8:00 PM
📺 Watch LIVE on YouTube, X or Facebook
Our annual season kick off episode with Elizabeth! This is going to be a fun one. BY THE FANS. FOR THE FANS. Subscribe and watch here.
2026 Road Tailgates
Grab your tickets quickly, the Miami Tailgate tickets are going FAST. These will sell out.
Two HUGE road parties are coming this season!
🌴 MIAMI, Bengals vs. Dolphins. 400+ already locked in, this WILL sell out! Join hundreds of Bengals fans and turn Miami into Jungle South! Tailgate tickets and Bengals fan discounted ticket blocks (Sections 110 & 308).
🔥 CHARLOTTE, December 20 vs. Panthers. Over 1,500 Bengals fans joined us in Charlotte in 2024. We're coming back to do it AGAIN! Tailgate tickets.
Two cities. Two HUGE tailgates.
-Bengal Jim and Friends