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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow had a rough practice early in the week but ended camp on a fantastic note with a dominant joint practice performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Burrow completed 21-of-26 attempts in 11-on-11 sessions with one interception. In seven-on-seven in the red zone, Burrow was 5-of-6 with touchdowns to Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki. Burrow made some of the high-velocity, tight-window throws that were the final hurdle to feeling confident in his rehab from wrist surgery. "I thought the Colts practice was one of his best of the year," head coach Zac Taylor said of Burrow. "Reminiscent of many of the games he played last year when he was healthy. The accuracy, the decision-making, and the ball not touching the ground. To finalize training camp, we still have work to do. We still have two weeks of practice, but I thought they kind of put the nail in the coffin in training camp. That was the right way to do it." Jake Browning missed the second half of camp with a rib injury but is expected to be healthy in Week 1. He is entrenched as the No. 2 quarterback. The offense was tough to watch because both top quarterbacks were out of preseason action the past two weeks. Logan Woodside proved unready for prime time.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
We will not know how playing time and opportunity will be split between Chase Brown and Zack Moss until the real games happen. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic released his projected depth chart and 53-man roster with Brown listed as the starter, noting that “expectations are still for an even split, though we have seen a good amount of Brown’s running with the first team lately in camp.” The most likely outcome here is a somewhat even split—think Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh. However, when reading between the lines on comments made by coaches, players, and beat reporters, the overall vibe is that if one of the two does emerge as the go-to option, the odds are in favor of Brown being that back. He is a big-time athlete whose explosiveness intrigues the coaching staff. There is potential for movement behind the top two. Trayveon Williams is a sixth-year veteran who has been a core special teamer. He is set to open the season as the No. 3 running back. He played surprisingly deep into the Week 3 preseason game against the Colts, past where most veterans expected to make the team were out of the game. This spot is where the Bengals could be active on the waiver wire over the next week. Speculation about a reunion with veteran Samaje Perine will not go away. If Perine is cut from the Denver Broncos, he could land back in Cincinnati and potentially complicate matters for the top two.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase hadn’t practiced all summer because of his contract dispute, but he ended his “hold-in” on Sunday. There’s no indication that his return means a new contract is imminent, but the team has two weeks to settle things. Dehner Jr. believes the best bet is that the extension “gets kicked down the road to 2025.” Tee Higgins is well-positioned to get off to a hot start in 2024. He has been healthy and grinding through camp. Unlike Chase, he can hit the ground running in Week 1. Higgins has the potential to put together a career year and cash in on a massive free-agent contract next spring if he can stay healthy. Andrei Iosivas is locked in as the No. 3 receiver, though Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones will also get some looks. Jones is back to practicing in full after suffering what initially looked like a scary knee injury. Jermaine Burton is heading toward a redshirt rookie season. Barring injuries or a significant turnaround, expect him to be a healthy scratch on game days, given that he is buried on the depth chart as the No. 6 receiver after failing to earn trust. Whispers of an immature approach and poor preparation are holding him back. The flashes of talent are apparent, but Burton needs to grow up quickly to live up to his potential.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
It had been a surprisingly quiet camp for Mike Gesicki before the final week. He was not performing poorly; he just was not getting many looks. That all changed in a big way during joint practices against the Colts and provided Gesicki with momentum heading into the season. Gesicki led all pass catchers in the joint session with six receptions and a touchdown. “He picked up the offense very fast,” Taylor said of Gesicki. “He understands the nuances and chemistry with Joe. Been really pleased with what he’s brought.” The Bengals have been highly impressed with rookie Erick All. He played well in the preseason finale and has seen some snaps with the first team in practice. The Bengals have experimented with a 12-personnel grouping featuring All and Drew Sample, their top two blockers at the position. Tanner Hudson should stick as the fourth tight end in a receiving specialist role. Sixth-round rookie pick Tanner McLachlan looks destined for the practice squad.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Injuries will test the Bengals' defensive line depth early in the season. Defensive end Myles Murphy sprained his knee and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Fellow backup end Cam Sample is out for the season. At defensive tackle, rookie McKinnley Jackson will also miss the start of the season and is a candidate to open the season on injured reserve. Aside from depth issues along the defensive line, the defense shows few holes. Dax Hill has come on strong down the stretch and is making a serious push for a starting cornerback job. He may have inched ahead of D.J. Turner in the competition.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Both Charlie Jones (punts) and Trayveon Williams (kickoffs) are projected to make the final 53-man roster as returners.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow had thrown very few interceptions in camp before throwing three in a joint practice against the Bears. The practice took place in heavy rain. “Tough to throw in the rain like that,” Burrow said. “The ball is slick. Tough to throw the ball outside the numbers and down the field. But it was good to get that work.” Burrow had a similarly rough performance in the rain in Week 1 against Cleveland last season, and his issues in wet weather may be a trend worth following. However, one subpar joint practice performance in bad weather should not overshadow that Burrow has consistently met or exceeded lofty expectations throughout the summer. Expect him to get off to a faster start to the regular season than in past years when he missed much of August with injuries. Jake Browning has been sidelined with a rib injury. “Just better to let it settle rather than continue to push through it,” head coach Zac Taylor said of Browning’s ribs. “Just going to let it rest. I can’t tell you the timeline. It could be through next week, that’s a possibility. Do it too soon or too quickly, it’s just nagging.” Both Burrow and Browning were held out of Week 2 of the preseason and are unlikely to appear in Week 3. Logan Woodside had issues with identifying pressure and is not a serious candidate to make the roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Zack Moss returned to practice and continues to split time with Chase Brown in the backfield. Both performed well in the closed practice against the Bears. With no fans and the few media members in attendance not allowed to take video, details from the session were relatively sparse. However, reports did highlight that both had at least one impressive run and that the running game fared better than the passing game. Trayveon Williams is a roster lock as the No. 3 running back and a core special teamer. Unless outside talent is added, expect the team to keep just three backs. Chris Evans suffered a torn patellar tendon that knocked him out for the season, ending his longshot hopes of earning a spot on the 53-man roster. Noah Cain and Elijah Collins split time as the No. 4 running back after Evans went down. However, expect the Bengals to keep only three backs on the roster.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase’s holdout continues as he and the front office negotiate a contract extension. We could see an extension inked soon. For example, Chase’s fellow rookie classmate, kicker Evan McPherson, recently got a deal done. Or this could drag out for two more weeks before a last-minute agreement is reached. Burrow’s contract extension last season followed that timeline. There is also a chance that the two sides cannot compromise, and an extension is put off until next offseason. Based on Chase’s attendance at practices and his traveling with the team to Chicago, the most likely outcome is that Chase will show up for Week 1 even if a deal cannot be reached. Like Burrow, Tee Higgins is having the best camp of his career. Like Burrow, he struggled in the joint practice with the Bears. He had four drops. While Andrei Iosivas will open the season as the No. 3 wide receiver, Joe Burrow made a point on a recent podcast episode of The Pivot to note that a single player will not replace Tyler Boyd. Burrow likes the replacement options but strongly implied it would be a committee approach at the No. 3 receiver spot. In addition to Iosivas, expect to see Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, and Jermaine Burton competing for rotational snaps. Jones recently returned to practice after missing time with a knee contusion.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample were held out of the matchup against the Bears, highlighting their status as co-starters. Erick All played 36 snaps against Chicago and is well ahead of schedule in his return from a late-season ACL injury. He is a roster lock. Cincinnati suddenly has its deepest tight end room in recent memory. In addition to Gesicki, Sample, and All, Tanner Hudson returns after a strong 2023 season. Plus, rookie sixth-rounder Tanner McLachlan has been coming on of late.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
The Bengals signed Evan McPherson to a three-year, $16.5 million deal. He was entering the last year of his rookie deal, signed after the Bengals selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, and is now signed through 2027. McPherson has only missed one field goal under 40 yards and has made 21 of 28 field goal attempts over 50 yards.
Preseason Updates: Defense
A camp battle for the starting strong safety spot failed to materialize between Jordan Battle and Vonn Bell. Bell won any potential competition quickly and decisively. The battle for the starting cornerback job opposite Cam Taylor-Britt has been the focus of attention. Dax Hill quickly made up ground on D.J. Turner over the past week, and the two appear to be running neck-and-neck.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The Bengals' tackles are good, with left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. making his fourth Pro Bowl and Trent Brown arriving from New England. Brown has been injury-prone in recent seasons but has rare ability when he plays. The team drafted Amarius Mims in Round 1 from Georgia to push Brown, but Mims strained his pectoral and is unlikely to be ready for Week 1. The interior trio of left guard Cordell Volson, center Ted Karras, and right guard Alex Cappa are unspectacular but solid. Cody Ford remains a versatile backup. Assuming Brown plays, the Bengals' line ranks 8th overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow shows no ill effects from the wrist injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. He has consistently connected on deep balls to his top targets throughout camp, displaying stellar accuracy. Burrow has a reputation in the locker room for clutch play, and the pressure of any August practice pales compared to the games that truly matter. However, it was fitting that Burrow capped off the most competitive practice of the offseason, which featured multiple fights between the starting offense and defense, with a pair of perfectly placed touchdown passes. Burrow saw his first preseason action in three years, playing the opening drive against a Buccaneers defense resting many starters. He was in top form, leading a 12-play touchdown drive capped off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. “I thought he looked sharp,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “We’ll watch the tape, but I thought he was in control and saw the defense well.” Jake Browning struggled mightily against Tampa Bay, throwing for just 52 yards on 18 attempts. His seven drives included five three-and-outs and an interception. Regardless, he is secure in his role as the top backup after his strong showing down the stretch of the 2023 season.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Zack Moss came down with an illness the night before the preseason opener and was held out of action, leaving the question of how playing time might be divided between Moss and Chase Brown unanswered. With Moss out, Brown played every snap on the 12-play opening drive and touched the ball on half of those snaps (five carries and a reception). He only managed ten yards on those six touches but looked better than the numbers suggest. Brown had a physical run to convert a third-and-one and delivered an impressive blitz pickup on the touchdown pass to end the drive. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had high praise for both backs. “Zack’s been the consummate pro,” said Pitcher. “He’s where he needs to be, every single play, regardless of what we ask him to do. He’s caught every ball we’ve thrown to him — like, a lot of contested, hard catches off his body. Can’t be happier with Zack.” While Moss is seen as a solid and trusted professional, Brown is the player everyone is excited about. “Chase is the young, budding talent that we all expected him to be, who adds an explosive element to our rushing attack and catching the ball out of the backfield,” said Pitcher. Trayveon Williams has locked down the No. 3 spot and will be a stalwart on special teams. The team may look to add depth behind the top three once other teams make cuts, as Chris Evans and others battling for practice squad spots have not shown much.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase is holding out of camp, seeking a long-term contract extension, with no end to the stalemate in sight. In Chase’s absence, Tee Higgins has taken on a starring role, building on his already strong rapport with Burrow. Higgins was targeted four times on his lone drive, catching a nine-yard pass to open the drive, narrowly missing a long touchdown, drawing a key third-down pass interference penalty, and then catching a 10-yard touchdown. Andrei Iosivas has locked down the No. 3 receiver job, playing nearly every snap with Burrow, catching a 23-yard pass, and then exiting the game with the rest of the starters. Trenton Irwin is the favorite for the No. 4 spot, as he is a known commodity. Charlie Jones was coming on strong as one of the top backups but suffered a scary-looking knee injury. Luckily, it appears he avoided anything serious, and he is listed as week-to-week. Along with Irwin and Jones, young veterans Kwamie Lassiter, Shedrick Jackson, and Kendric Pryor have taken most of the second-team reps.
Highly touted rookie Jermaine Burton has been repping almost exclusively with the third team, and that usage carried over into the Tampa Bay game, where he didn’t see the field until late in the third quarter. However, he made the most of his opportunity with a pair of long catches, including a 37-yard touchdown and a 38-yard contested catch. “Jermaine is very talented,” said Pitcher. “Jermaine’s got tremendous ball skills. Jermaine is working through what most rookie players work through as rookies. They’re figuring out how to be consistent, and it’s really not … I wouldn’t say it’s an effort thing. He’s just working on the consistency and the nuances of the offense and being able to make the right decision every time. And that’s not easy.” Burton is more of a project than expected, but he could have a small package of plays as a rookie to take advantage of his speed and playmaking ability.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The Bengals will utilize a committee approach this season. Drew Sample is an experienced veteran and trusted pass-blocker. Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson are mismatches in the passing game who have earned Burrow’s trust. Rookie Erick All may be a factor soon. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic notes, “What we have seen is notable. The athleticism and versatility show up. The fact he’s cleared, which sets him up to land on the initial 53-man roster and not have to worry about starting the year on PUP, served as an encouraging development. His play grew the encouragement exponentially.”
Preseason Updates: Defense
The healthy members of the starting unit played a single drive against the Buccaneers, which resulted in a quick three-and-out. The battles for starting spots are virtually non-existent. One starting cornerback job was somewhat up for grabs entering camp, but D.J. Turner quickly separated from Dax Hill in the competition. One potential problem spot for Cincinnati is defensive tackle depth. Kris Jenkins Jr. has failed to distinguish himself. The backup defensive backs have been a pleasant surprise, especially a pair of rookies, cornerback Josh Newton and safety Daijahn Anthony.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Charlie Jones, the top punt returner, suffered a knee injury during Thursday’s practice, but early reports suggest it’s not serious, and head coach Zac Taylor has labeled him “week to week.” Trayveon Williams appears locked in as the primary kickoff returner for 2024.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow has looked fantastic throughout training camp. He shows no ill effects from the wrist injury that ended his 2023 season. He is on track to have a normal training camp for the first time in his career. In 2020, COVID protocols made things difficult. The next year, he was working his way back from a torn ACL. In 2022, he had appendicitis the first week of camp. Last year, a calf strain caused him to miss nearly all of August. It should help Burrow get off to a faster start instead of having to play his way into top form in the regular season. Burrow has put on 15 pounds of muscle to avoid further injuries.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Chase Brown has emerged as the clear favorite to lead the Bengals backfield. "If I could play fantasy football, I'd take him as my first running back,” said offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. of Chase Brown. “He's going to have a year. I guarantee it. Special talent, special player." He has received most of the carries with the first-team offense throughout camp. Brown spent much of his offseason working on his pass-catching and route-running skills with a wide receiver coach. The fruits of his labor have been on full display. Brown has a real chance to step into a similar role to the one Joe Mixon played in 2022. Mixon led the backfield in opportunities that season but yielded a good bit of third-down work to Samaje Perine. Zack Moss has had a solid camp and may be ticketed for a Perine-like role instead of the lead role many envisioned when he signed with Cincinnati. While he lacks the pure speed and explosiveness of Brown, Moss does many of the little things well and is a better pass blocker. “I really like Zack Moss,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “Professional. Detailed. I really am a fan.”
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase wants a long-term contract extension and is holding out of camp with no end to the stalemate in sight. While Bengals owner Mike Brown said, the team would “bend over backward” to get a deal with Chase done, extending a non-quarterback with two years left on his rookie deal (counting the fifth-year option) is uncharted territory for the franchise. The good news is that the Burrow-Chase connection is strong, and the missed practice time should not be a significant problem. “Couple practices,” Burrow said of how long Chase would take to get up to speed. “Once he's out there, it's one indy period, and he'll be ready to go.” Tee Higgins has been a full participant in camp. He would have been within his rights to delay signing the franchise tender and waiting to report. Instead, he has been grinding through the heat to pursue a career year and cash in with a monster deal in 2025 free agency. Higgins and Burrow have hooked up for several deep completions in 11-on-11 action. The offensive star of the first two weeks of camp has been second-year wideout Andrei Iosivas. At this point, it looks like Iosivas has already done enough to lock down the starting spot vacated by Tyler Boyd. “Andrei’s gonna have a year,” Burrow said. “I’m really excited about how he’s coming along. Wherever he ends up playing, whether it’s inside or outside, he’s able to do it all.” The emergence of Iosivas and solid play from Charlie Jones and Trenton Irwin leaves rookie Jermaine Burton working with backups mainly.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Mike Gesicki has made several acrobatic catches and should lead the tight end group in targets. However, the team will use a committee. Drew Sample, who signed a larger deal in free agency than Gesicki, is a much better blocker and could lead the position group in snaps. Tanner Hudson has picked up where he left off after a strong finish to the 2023 season. Plus, rookie Erick All recently came off the PUP list.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The Bengals struggled with communication issues and busted coverages in the secondary last season. The additions of safeties Vonn Bell and Geno Stone should help solve those issues. The defense looks to return to the form that helped fuel deep playoff runs in 2021 and 2022. D.J. Turner is running away with the competition against Dax Hill to start at cornerback opposite Cam Taylor-Britt.
