Cincy Jungle
The Cincinnati Bengals played their first preseason game last Thursday, and we got our first look at the 2025 team, including the starters. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the first-team offense scored twice on two drives and looked like they hadn’t skipped a beat. The defense and second-team offense? That was a different story.
Taking what we saw into account, here’s version No. 3 of our 53-man roster.
Quarterback (2)
Notes: Jake Browning was really bad on Thursday night. I know it’s reactionary to say that one bad preseason performance is enough to undo some really great Browning moments we’ve had, including some in the regular season, but they signed Ridder for a reason.
Running Backs (3)
Notes: No changes here. The Bengals’ offense doesn’t need a fourth running back to “establish the run.” This is 2025, and Burrow is the team’s quarterback, and he’s got the best duo of wide receivers in the league.
Establish the run. Get out of here with that.
Tight Ends (4)
Notes: No changes here. Unless there’s some sort of injury, these four tight ends will be on the final roster. Hudson continues to prove himself, and Fant, Sample, and Gesicki are locks.
Wide Receivers (6)
Notes: No changes here. The top five are locks, and I even toyed with the idea of leaving a sixth wide receiver off, but decided against it.
Offensive Line (10)
Notes: A small change here, but it’s one that I’m excited about. McLaughlin would have been a Day 2 pick had he been healthy during draft season, but he was nursing an Achilles injury that ended up landing him in Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent. He’s going to be activated, and I’m going to go out on a limb and say he finds his way onto the final roster.
Defensive Line (10)
Notes: No changes here. Hopefully, the Bengals get a deal with Trey done soon.
Linebackers (5)
Notes: Giles-Harris takes the final spot from Maema Njongmeta, but mostly contributes as a special teamer.
Cornerbacks (6)
Notes: No changes here, though the last couple of spots are available for...
