Cincinnati Bengals players with something to prove have one last chance to make a statement before the team heads to the final cuts process.
Before those cuts come down the line and the Bengals cement a 53-man roster, non-starters get one more shot at preseason action during Saturday evening’s exhibition against the Washington Commanders.
Fringe 53 players or even guys who need to make some noise to actually earn a spot on the field in 2023 will need to make the most of the chance.
Here’s a look at a handful of bubble players who could suit up with quite a bit on the line when they travel to take on the Commanders over the weekend.
CB DJ Ivey
Ivey has been a fantastic late-round breakout for the Bengals in camp so far, which should mean he pushes for the sixth and final corner spot. He’ll need a strong showing against backups, which shouldn’t be a huge deal given who he practices against every day.
TE Mitchell Wilcox
Wilcox feels like a shoo-in for the final roster given his history with the team already, but he did have the injury holding him out of ca
mp. If he plays, it will give the team a good reminder he should be third on the depth chart.
TE Tanner Hudson
The Tyler Eifert-lookalike has had a very impressive summer of his own and at 28, is the type of veteran the Bengals would like to have as the fourth tight end.
RB Trayveon Williams
Williams had the early-camp injury and while he was out, rookie Chase Brown and Chris Evans did very well. As such, he’s gone from what looked like a promised role as Joe Mixon’s rotational backup to potentially off the roster and to the practice squad. If he plays, he’ll need a nice showing.
P Drue Chrisman
Chrisman was out, with rookie Brad Robbins doing a good job at the same time. It hasn’t felt like much of a competition, but he could get a chance to make it one.
QB Jake Browning
Backup quarterback has very much not been decided, to the point coaches want to see Reid Sinnett in action. Browning can fend him off, if not push aside Trevor Siemian with a strong showing.
DE Jeff Gunter
The Bengals cut Tarrell Basham, paving the way for other defensive ends to make the 53. But Gunter, a success story last year, has to worry about guys like Raymond Johnson III now and nothing is guaranteed.
