As NFL teams finalized their initial 53-man rosters ahead of the 2026 season deadline on August 30, the Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up an undefeated preseason with a 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, forcing head coach Zac Taylor and his staff into difficult personnel decisions across crowded position groups.
Preseason Finale and the 53-Man Roster Deadline
The Cincinnati Bengals closed out their exhibition schedule in Philadelphia with a 30-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night, capping a perfect preseason that left the franchise with a difficult set of roster decisions. Less than 48 hours after the final whistle, all 32 NFL teams faced the league-wide deadline to trim their active squads down to 53 players by 6 p.m. on August 30. The Bengals needed to trim their roster down from 88 to 53, with the list of 16 practice squad spots to be announced Monday.
While franchise centerpiece Joe Burrow remained protected alongside veteran backup Joe Flacco, the exhibition finale provided a final evaluation window for younger contributors fighting for developmental spots or practice-squad roles. Cincinnati opened exhibition play with a gritty 16-14 victory over Detroit before following it with a dominant 27-9 rout against Chicago.
Quarterback Battles and Offensive Playmakers
The quarterback room generated considerable discussion throughout August. Veteran Josh Johnson put together a strong preseason campaign, throwing for 156 yards in the first half against Philadelphia and helping the Bengals conclude a perfect preseason. Josh Johnson and Sean Clifford each delivered touchdown strikes during the exhibition slate. It is possible the 40-year-old veteran played so well this preseason that he will get a better opportunity elsewhere, while his experience provides great value. Flacco played just two series against Chicago and accounted for the team’s only touchdown of the game on a 4-yard pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries.
At running back, Chase Brown anchors the backfield as the starter, alongside backups Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks. Tahj Brooks had a fumble against the Eagles, which might create a little separation between him and No. 2 back Samaje Perine, following a bounce-back game against the Bears after a couple of drops in the rain against the Lions. Brooks played 41 percent of the special teams snaps last year. Other players in the running back group included Gary Brightwell, Kendall Milton, Jamal Haynes, and Kentrell Bullock. Notably, NFL Network ranked Cincinnati Bengals running back Jamal Haynes’ 39-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of his team’s preseason win against the Eagles at No. 2 among top plays by a rookie in the NFL preseason completed on Aug. 2. The wide receiver room also saw intense competition featuring Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mitch Tinsley, Colbie Young, and Dohnte Meyers, with Colbie Young breaking loose for an eye-catching 17-yard score earlier in the preseason.
Trenches, Tight Ends, and Special Teams Contributions
Cincinnati evaluated a crowded group at tight end featuring Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All Jr., Tanner Hudson, and Jack Endries, while cutting Cam Grandy and Josh Kattus. Along the offensive line, the projected group included Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Dalton Risner, Amarius Mims, Jalen Rivers, Conner Lew, Brian Parker II, and Javon Foster, while parting ways with Corey Robinson II, Christian Jones, Liam Brown, Jacob Bayer, and Andrew Coker.
Meanwhile, kicker Evan McPherson provided a reliable exclamation point on special teams by kicking a 56-yarder for one of his three field goals against Philadelphia, building on an exhibition stretch that previously featured a booming 58-yard field goal.
