Cincinnati Bengals players fighting for regular season playing time or even slots on the final 53-man roster had one last chance to put something on film to change the minds of coaches.
That last chance occurred on Saturday night during the team’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, a 21-19 loss.
Immediately exiting the game, there are some very apparent winners and losers, especially given just how much they could impact playing time and/or the overall construction of the final 53-man roster that the Bengals will submit in the coming days.
Here’s a look at the notables fans should know as the wait for the final roster announcement starts.
Winner: WR Andrei Iosivas
There wasn’t any doubt about Iosivas entering this one, but the early touchdown and griddy sure didn’t hurt. He’s cruising to the roster as a guy who looks farther along than most would have thought.
Loser: OL Trey Hill
Hill had a costly penalty in the first half. Normally that wouldn’t be the end of the world, but Max Scharping has been taking some of his snaps on the interior. It appears the writing is on the wall here.
Winner: TE Tanner Hudson
More big plays for the veteran and he just looks the part, cliche as it sounds. Maybe it’s not enough to get him past Drew Sample or even Mitchell Wilcox behind Irv Smith Jr., but it certainly looks like he deserves a spot.
Loser: OL Jaxson Kirkland
The popular undrafted free agent lineman struggled again, this time at right tackle. While he’s struggled to earn a depth role, there’s a good chance they’ll try to pass him through to the practice squad.
Winner: DE Raymond Johnson III
Good luck denying Johnson the final roster. After building massive momentum all summer, Johnson had that relentless motor that flashed again Saturday night.
Loser: WR Trent Taylor
Taylor playing late into the game said it all about his status as somebody fighting for a roster spot. Two rookie breakouts, including Charlie Jones looking like the guy on special teams returns, put him in this spot.
