CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2026 NFL regular season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13. But first, they play one more preseason game (Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles) and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
Former CFL standout Dohnte Meyers has made a strong impression this offseason and increased the competition among the wide receivers. Cincinnati will also have some tough decisions to make on the defensive line that features several new additions.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Bengals.
Quarterbacks (2)
The Bengals kept three quarterbacks late in the year, but with Burrow healthy to start the season, keeping two will give Cincinnati flexibility elsewhere on the roster. Josh Johnson is slated to be the QB3 while on the practice squad.
Running backs (3)
Chase Brown, Samaje Perine, Tahj Brooks
This group will be one of the most important on the roster. Brown should have an elevated role in Cincinnati's new-look offense with Perine also seeing some usage on early downs. The coaching staff is high on Brooks as he enters his second season.
Wide receivers (6)
Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Dohnte Meyers, Colbie Young
Meyers, the former CFL signee, was impressive throughout training camp and made a strong impression on everyone in the building. That gives him the edge over Charlie Jones, who is one of the best returners in the NFL.
Tight ends (5)
Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, Erick All Jr., Jack Endries
Endries, a rookie who played the bulk of his career at Cal, looked good in the preseason opener. Those two factors could make Cam Grandy a practice squad option.
Offensive linemen (9)
Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Cody Ford, Jalen Rivers, Connor Lew, Brian Parker II
Swing tackle remains a big question. Jalen Rivers received some looks at that spot after Cody Ford had started out in that role at the beginning of training camp.
Defensive linemen (10)
Boye Mafe, Cashius Howell, Shemar Stewart, Myles Murphy, Kris Jenkins Jr., B.J. Hill, Jonathan Allen, Landon Robinson, Dexter Lawrence II, T.J. Slaton Jr.
This was a tough call on the deepest group on the roster. Cedric Johnson, a sixth-round pick in 2024, had two sacks in nine games last season. But with five new defensive linemen (three tackles, two edge rushers), Johnson and fellow 2024 pick McKinnley Jackson are most likely to get squeezed here.
Linebackers (4)
Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr., Oren Burks, Swayze Bozeman
Bozeman quietly had a very strong camp and earned reps with the second-string defense. Cincinnati acquired him on waivers in May and he appears to be making the most of his opportunity.
Cornerbacks (7)
DJ Turner II, Dax Hill, Jalen Davis, Josh Newton, Tacario Davis, DJ Ivey, Ja'Sir Taylor
Newton made a few splash plays throughout training camp, which put him in contention over other guys who were fighting to make the initial 53-man roster. That depth at cornerback is needed with the limited proven outside CB options behind Turner and Hill.
Safeties (4)
Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger, Jordan Battle, PJ Jules
Cook and Battle are the starters, with Duggar coming onto the field in heavier coverage packages. Jules has been solid on special teams over the years.
Special teams (3)
Evan McPherson (K), Ryan Rehkow (P), William Wagner (LS)
Cincinnati has a stable operation between McPherson and Wagner, while Rehkow started to make strides toward the end of last season with his situational punting.