The Cincinnati Bengals hit on a nice break over the weekend before they really start prepping for that Week 1 contest against the New England Patriots.
While that happens, here’s a quick look at some thoughts about the final cuts, roster and practice squad.
- The Ja’Marr Chase contract thing isn’t nearly as big of a deal as some national media want it to be. He’s using the last bit of leverage he has to show he’s serious about an extension. But the fact he has two years left on his deal complicates things. Compared to Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco, he could be handling it much, much worse. There’s not a major concern he wouldn’t play in Week 1. Plus, it’s not uncomfortable to suggest a deal could still happen before the opener.
- Losing upside names like DT Carlos Davis and CB Lance Robinson at final cuts hurt — but that’s what happens when a 10-player draft class and two undrafted names earn final roster spots. Frankly, it’s stunningly impressive for what was already a contention-worthy roster.
- It’s surprising to see names like WR Kendric Pryor slip onto the practice squad, but it’s hard to complain about.
- One of the four outside names the Bengals added to the practice squad, HB Kendall Milton, is a rookie with upside who could be a major player in the offense down the road.
- The team’s only waiver wire claim might not last long once other guys get healthy, but it sure doesn’t hurt that he has a prior connection to members of the coaching staff.
- It stinks to see Samaje Perine choose elsewhere in free agency after getting cut in Denver. But he wasn’t a necessity, not when Zack Moss and Chase Brown should dominate the backfield.
- Myles Murphy going to injured reserve might be a blessing in disguise. He can slowly ramp back up right now and re-debut a month into the season at full force. In the meantime, someone like Joseph Ossai can really prove themselves in the rotation. Given what the former first-rounder flashed last year, he could be one of those major additions in the winter months that spurs a playoff push.
- Maybe the only place the Bengals managed to get worse this summer was at punter, with Brad Robbins on injured reserve and the up-and-down Ryan Rehkow looking like the opening-day starter. But maybe he evens out and keeps the job — who knows?
- One of the biggest things to watch next week will be Amarius Mims. If he can get a couple of practices in, there’s a chance he could still steal the right tackle job from Trent Brown.
