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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow is set to return to practice in the coming days. “He looks great,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “I mean physically, just walking around, he looks probably as good as he’s ever looked at this point. It's been over two weeks since Burrow conducted a full workout and throwing session, but he should be ready for the season opener, given the conservative recovery timetable. Experienced in prepping for regular seasons without a full preseason workload, Burrow is well-positioned. “He’s gotten himself to this spot for a reason,” Taylor said. “Over the last three years, he’s had to deal with similar circumstances. So he’s a veteran at this.” Jake Browning was a perfect 7-of-7 in the preseason finale against Washington, seemingly solidifying his spot as the backup over Trevor Siemian, who struggled in camp and threw a costly interception in the end zone this weekend. The front office will be looking to upgrade the No. 3 spot after other teams make final cuts.
Running Backs
The coaches are optimistic about their developing run game. “Everybody is taking that initiative and that jump to really want to execute in the run game, and the big guys up front, they’re loving it,” Joe Mixon said. “They’re loving the run scheme right now, and everybody is buying in. We are getting ready for the big year.” Offensive line coach Frank Pollack has noticed a new energy and a more mature approach from Mixon. “He’s been outstanding at understanding our angles of departure and what we are trying to do from blocking schemes up front to be able to attack where the holes are going to be even faster,” Pollack said. “It actually happens because we leave the first level or the second level fit, he’s already cutting off that second level block, and it's been really good and exciting to see. In fact, I was talking to (assistant line coach Justin Hill) the other day and getting goosebumps talking about it. It’s been really well-oiled so far in practice, and we have to obviously carry that into the season when teams give us different looks.” Chris Evans has taken the lead in the battle to back up Mixon. After having a relatively quiet month, Chase Brown ripped off several impressive runs against Washington and looks to be coming on at just the right time. "He got his hands on the ball in the run game. I thought he provided value there," Taylor said. “He did a good job with yards after contact. He gave us some ugly yards today. I liked what I saw from Chase.” While he is likely still behind Evans and Trayveon Williams, Brown at least built momentum entering the season.
Wide Receivers
With Joe Burrow missing nearly all of camp, the coaches have exercised caution with starting wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Although the trio didn’t appear in the preseason games, they enter the regular season healthy and comfortable in their respective roles. Chase has made several eye-catching one-handed grabs over the last week. "I feel great. It's been smooth," said Chase, who re-committed to prior goals of winning the Super Bowl and getting 1,500 yards receiving. The receivers know it’ll be easy to re-establish chemistry with their quarterback. “Not long. About one drive,” Boyd said when asked how long it would take for him and Burrow to get their timing down. “I've got years under my belt with him. Whatever play we call, I know what he's expecting me to do and where I'm supposed to be in any coverage. So I'm pretty locked in on the chemistry. Just put him out there, we'll make it work.” Trenton Irwin is locked into the No. 4 role. Rookie Andrei Iosivas had a chance to shine this preseason with all the veterans resting and has taken full advantage.
Tight Ends
Irv Smith Jr. and Drew Sample are locked in as the top two. Tanner Hudson had another strong preseason and is likely to be the No. 3 tight end. Though for fantasy purposes, Hudson is more like the No. 2 since he would step into the primary receiving role should anything happen to Smith; Sample is viewed as a blocking specialist. Devin Asiasi and Mitchell Wilcox may not make the team, but one or both should stick around on the practice squad.
Defense
Starting cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is gearing up for Week 1 after recovering from an ACL injury. “I'd say he's back,” Ja’Marr Chase said after Awuzie leaped over him for an interception. “I let him get too close to me. He looks good.” Surprisingly, top backup defensive end Joseph Ossai played in the preseason finale, suffering a right ankle injury of unknown severity. Coach Taylor noted that Ossai “needed the reps.” Ossai’s injury may open the door for Raymond Johnson III to make the team. First-round rookie defensive end Myles Murphy had a disappointing summer, not making many plays nor flashing the upside expected of such a high draft pick.
Returners
Rookie Charlie Jones has been impressive enough to take the lead over Trent Taylor in the competition to return punts, with some speculating that Taylor might be moved off the 53-man roster and onto the practice squad as a result.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
It was a relatively quiet week on the Joe Burrow front. When asked whether Burrow's return to practice might begin with walk-throughs, Coach Zac Taylor's response strongly hinted at such activity occurring behind the scenes. Burrow has also been throwing and running for weeks now. The expectation is that he will return to practice in full sometime in the next week or so, giving him plenty of time to prepare for Week 1. The timing of Burrow’s return is based on the idea that he should stay on the sidelines until he feels 100% healthy and then wait two more weeks so as not to risk recurrence. Reading between the lines, it seems we are already within that two-week window. His absence has led to a bevy of practice and preseason reps for Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian. Neither has played well. It has reached a point where the spotty quarterback play has bogged down and frustrated the rest of the offense in practices. While Browning has shown a slight edge over Siemian (who's averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt on 42 preseason passes), the level of play from both has been subpar enough to raise the possibility of the team looking outside the organization for backup options after other teams make their roster cuts.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon was found not guilty of aggravated menacing, and the team issued a statement that they are “pleased that this matter is now behind everyone.” While there is still a chance that Mixon could be suspended, it seems unlikely. He remains firmly entrenched as the team's starting running back. The competition for the third-down role and primary backup to Mixon is ongoing, with Chris Evans emerging as the frontrunner. The third-year back has always been an explosive runner and capable receiver, but his pass-blocking and discipline in sticking to the proper running lanes have kept him off the field. He has shown significant progress as a blocker this summer and has graded extremely well. Aside from one 33-yard run in Week 1, Evans has not done much as a runner through two preseason games, but he is showing more discipline, and most of the run game struggles can be pinned on poor blocking from backup linemen. Evans looks to be ahead of Chase Brown, who has blown some pass-blocking assignments in practice. While Brown’s mistakes are expected of a rookie, the coaches understandably have no tolerance for errors that could get Joe Burrow hurt. Trayveon Williams could still make a run at the backup job, but the timing of his ankle injury was brutal, and he may end up missing almost the entirety of camp. Williams could return to individual drills sometime next week, but the missed time has given the other backs an opening, and Evans has taken advantage.
Wide Receivers
With the quarterbacks struggling, it has been a quiet week for the starting trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. There is guarded optimism that the Bengals will be able to get contract extensions done soon for both Burrow and Higgins, but the clock is ticking with the start of the regular season just three weeks away. Most of the buzz at wide receiver has centered around rookie Andrei Iosivas. He has been targeted 20 times through two preseason games and has been routinely making plays in camp. Iosivas is unlikely to have much of an impact this season, with the top three receivers set and veteran Trenton Irwin a proven commodity as the versatile No. 4. However, given his elite athleticism and stellar play, Iosivas is worth stashing in dynasty leagues. He has outperformed fellow rookie Charlie Jones, who has battled some minor injuries in camp. According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Jones has “not shown much” as a returner, which decreases his chances of being on the active roster on game days.
Tight Ends
Burrow’s extended absence is a negative for Irv Smith Jr., given that he is the one major skill position player who does not have years’ worth of reps with him. Smith has enjoyed a solid camp and looks locked in as the starter, though he will likely rotate situationally with Drew Sample. The third spot is still up for grabs and may come down to Tanner Hudson or Mitchell Wilcox whenever he comes off the PUP list. This is also a spot where the team could look to make a waiver claim after final cuts.
Defense
The standout of camp has been defensive end Trey Hendrickson. After posting 14 sacks in 2021, Hendrickson’s production dipped to eight sacks last season when he played through multiple injuries. If he stays healthy, a return to double-digit sacks seems likely. The defense appears set with nine returning starters from last year's defense, along with new starters Dax Hill and Nick Scott at safety. The only camp battles have been for the backup spots on the defensive line and in the secondary. Sidney Jones may be the odd man out at cornerback. At the same time, the Bengals may be able to trade whoever loses out in the battle for backup defensive line spots, given how well bubble players like Jay Tufele, Dominique Davis, Jeffrey Gunter, and Raymond Johnson III have performed.
Offensive Line
The Bengals' offensive line underwent changes with the acquisition of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from Kansas City. This move necessitated shifting Jonah Williams to right tackle. Williams, who has rehabbed two knee injuries, was the only starter to play against Atlanta. He only played 11 snaps but looked sharp. Backup Jackson Carman moved over to left tackle and struggled. His roster spot is in jeopardy. La'el Collins remains on the PUP list and will likely miss the season’s first month. Overall, the line features strong run blockers but faces challenges in pass protection. For that reason, the unit ranks 24th.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Barring an unlikely setback, Joe Burrow should easily return in time for Week 1. Before the preseason opener against the Packers, Burrow ran and threw without wearing a compression sleeve on his injured calf. In fact, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic stated that Burrow looked like he “could play this weekend if needed.” Head coach Zac Taylor concurred, saying, “Things are good. He’s progressed as he should. Everything has been positive.” Taylor also indicated that Burrow has been throwing and running in private workouts for a while. While the Bengals may choose caution and keep Burrow out of practice for the next week or two, he should have multiple weeks of full practice participation before the season opener. A healthy Burrow is crucial for the Bengals since the backups have not performed well. Jake Browning started against Green Bay, completing 10-of-17 passes for 95 yards with an interception. Trevor Siemian played the second half and went 15-for-28 for 121 yards with an interception. Neither has seized the opportunity.
Running Backs
Joe Mixon's stock has quietly risen throughout August, as no clear threat has emerged behind him. Mixon stood out as one of the few bright spots for the Bengals offense in joint practices against the Packers. He showcased his ability to break loose for significant gains, particularly excelling in running gap power out of shotgun formations. Assuming he remains healthy and doesn’t get suspended, Mixon is in line for a big season. Trayveon Williams entered camp as the favorite to win the backup job but suffered an ankle injury in the first practice and has remained out. He is expected to be back within the next week or two and will have a chance to solidify his hold on that role because none of the other backs have stood out. Chris Evans got the preseason Week 1 start. He was able to break off a 33-yard run and totaled 49 yards on seven carries. Evans has always been explosive and flashes when on the field, but he still looks uncomfortable running between the tackles and has not shown the rushing lane discipline coaches want to see. He freelances too often and has issues in pass protection. Chase Brown took over for Evans but managed just 12 yards on eight carries. He fared better as a receiver, with three catches for 33 yards. If the young backs do not show improvement soon, this is a spot where the team may look to bring in a proven veteran.
Wide Receivers
Starters Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd have nothing to prove. They were relatively quiet (Higgins did not participate in team drills) in the joint practice against the Packers, given the struggles of the backup quarterbacks. As known commodities, the only thing these guys need to do is stay healthy for the next few weeks. The more intriguing story lies beyond the top three, where Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones, and Andrei Iosivas look to solidify spots on the 53-man roster. Iosivas is a promising rookie from Princeton with elite athleticism in a 6-foot-3 frame. The former heptathlete has shown off his 4.43 speed and leaping ability, regularly making acrobatic grabs all summer. He led the team with 50 receiving yards against Green Bay and could have had an even bigger day as a long touchdown grab was ruled out of bounds. While Iosivas has been a pleasant surprise, he faces long odds to contribute much this season. Irwin has an edge because of his experience within the system.
Tight Ends
The Bengals held their top two tight ends out of the preseason opener. Irv Smith Jr. is locked into the lead pass-catching role, while Drew Sample should see the field plenty as a blocking specialist. Tanner Hudson may have a slight lead over Devin Asiasi and Nick Bowers for the No. 3 job. Hudson had four catches for 29 yards against the Packers but left the game with a concussion.
Defense
The starting defensive line dominated the Packers in joint practices. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was especially un-blockable, with one beat writer crediting him with seven sacks. Defensive tackle D.J. Reader was equally as unstoppable against the run and got into a fight with Packers guard Elgton Jenkins. Most of the Bengals’ starters were held out of the game, except for safety Dax Hill. “Just to get him more reps,” Coach Taylor said. “He hasn’t been a starter yet on defense.” Hill immediately made an impact by covering substantial ground to break up a deep pass aimed at Christian Watson. The young safeties were the biggest bright spot. Jordan Battle, despite missing a couple of weeks of camp due to injury, performed well alongside Hill. Safety Tycen Anderson, who missed his entire rookie season in 2022, shone with two interceptions in the game, including a touchdown return. Anderson's emergence provides the team with solid depth, easing concerns over the loss of both 2022 starters.
Returners
The Bengals are sticking with their returners from last year—Trent Taylor on punts, with Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams on kickoffs. Rookie Charlie Jones has potential but might need time to gain the coaches’ trust.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow’s hopes for the first full training camp of his career were quickly dashed when he strained his calf during practice on July 27th. Head Coach Zac Taylor stated Burrow would be out "several weeks" the day after the injury. Burrow has been seen walking around the locker room without a limp, and he seems likely to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. "Yeah, I’m cool," Burrow texted former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. "I’ll be out a little bit, but I’m good to go." The risk of reinjury is a real concern, however. The estimated reaggravation rate for athletes returning from a calf strain is 15-30%. Expect the Bengals to be very cautious about bringing Burrow back to avoid setbacks. Burrow’s injury should not impact contract extension talks. It feels like a deal to make Burrow the NFL’s highest-paid player could come together soon. The battle to back up Burrow is tight between Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian. Browning has been on the practice squad for two full seasons, giving him an advantage in knowledge of the system. However, Siemian has 30 career NFL starts, and that experience may make him the slight favorite.
Running Backs
On the eve of training camp, starting running back Joe Mixon agreed to a restructured deal to remain in Cincinnati for at least another season. "I see the bigger picture. I see the task at hand and what we’re trying to build, and in order to keep other players here and pieces here, sometimes you have to sacrifice," Mixon said of his agreeing to a reduced salary. With Samaje Perine in Denver, Mixon should take on an even larger role. He is dealing with multiple off-field issues, including a misdemeanor aggravated menacing charge from a January road rage incident and a civil suit related to a gunshot fired by a guest on his property. The No. 2 job is wide open, and the lack of proven depth is a big weakness. Trayveon Williams entered camp as the favorite but quickly suffered an ankle injury that will cause him to miss multiple weeks, with Coach Taylor calling him "week-to-week" in a recent press conference. Rookie Chase Brown and third-year veteran Chris Evans are also battling for snaps. Both have struggled in pass protection, which could keep them off the field. This is a spot where the Bengals could look to add a veteran at some point.
Wide Receivers
The trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd are locked in for their third straight season of starting together. The big focus in camp has been on trying to re-establish their deep-threat capabilities. The passing offense last year had to adjust to seeing much more Cover 2 and did so with more underneath routes. Chase has reportedly looked "incredible" in camp and has had some heated battles with top cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. Higgins is a prime candidate to earn a big-money extension in the lead-up to his fourth season but is not letting negotiations get in the way of his preparation for the season. He said he did not contemplate a holdout and has not missed any time in camp. Trenton Irwin is still the top backup and has solidified his role with an outstanding start to the preseason, including a leaping one-hand grab that has been described as the best play of camp. "The dude’s a freak," Siemian said of Irwin. Rookie Charlie Jones had started to come on after a slow start to camp and has emerged as the favorite to take over the backup slot and primary punt returner role from Trent Taylor. He recently suffered a shoulder injury and was described as "day-to-day." Fellow rookie Andrei Iosivas has also been very good, making a number of impressive contested catches on back-shoulder throws downfield.
Tight Ends
Irv Smith Jr.’s play has exceeded expectations, and he looks poised for his best season as a pro. "We try to call things guys like. That tends to make it work. That tends to make a good play," offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said. "Irv is good in space. He’s different than the tight ends we’ve had before. He has real ability to separate and win after the catch."
Defense
The front office got a pair of key extensions done. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson got $21 million in new money and added a year onto his existing deal. He is now under contract through the 2025 season. Top linebacker Logan Wilson signed a four-year extension worth up to $37.3 million. The Bengals have nearly all their defensive starters locked up for multiple seasons. Outside of the Burrow injury, the biggest story of camp has been the excellent play of the cornerbacks. Cam Taylor-Britt looks poised to emerge as a star after finishing his rookie season on a high note. He has been going head-to-head with Chase all camp and holding his own. "You go out there on Sunday and can say, ‘I covered Ja’Marr Chase all training camp and Tee Higgins.’ There are great receivers in this league, but I will stack ours against anybody. He just keeps getting better," defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said of Taylor-Britt. A pair of rookie cornerbacks have also been making noise. DJ Turner looks like a potential star who has shown off stunning athleticism with elite speed, change of direction, and leaping ability. While Turner’s emergence is not surprising given his pre-draft hype, fellow rookie D.J. Ivey has seemingly come out of nowhere to be one of the early standouts. Taken late in the seventh round, Ivey has impressed with his size, speed, and playmaking ability.
