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The Cincinnati Bengals will enter the 2026 season fully aware that there’s a lot to play for. After missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and addressing major roster loopholes during the offseason, the team turns its attention to training camp, hoping to thoroughly evaluate its roster ahead of Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rookies report to Cincinnati Bengals training camp on July 25, with veterans arriving three days later on July 28. By the time the Bengals hold their joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 20, several of the roster’s biggest position battles and developmental questions should have clear answers.
From former first-round picks trying to justify their draft status to veterans fighting to keep roster spots, these are the players with the most at stake when training camp begins.
Shemar Stewart’s role in Cincinnati ill be one of the top things to keep an eye on before the start of the regular season. The former first-round pick heads into Year 2 with enormous upside but plenty to prove after recording just one sack as a rookie. A contract holdout and knee injury disrupted much of his first season, while Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy and Cashius Howell currently project ahead of him in the edge rotation.
After a rookie season that failed to live up to expectations, can he impress defensive coordinator Al Golden enough to earn consistent snaps next season?
The linebacker unit was one of Cincinnati’s weakest position groups in 2025 and will likely remain so next season, barring any notable reinforcements. Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter return as the projected starters after finishing among the NFL’s lowest-graded linebackers last season. Both showed gradual improvement late in the year, and the Bengals are counting on Dexter Lawrence’s arrival to improve the play in front of them.
Training camp will provide the first indication of whether the front office’s decision to entrust the linebacker room with Knight and Carter pays off in the long run.
The slot cornerback job is the most open competition on the roster as of this writing. Jalen Davis enters camp as the incumbent, but the additions of Ja’Sir Taylor, Kyle Dugger and rookie Tacario Davis have created significant competition.
Davis has the starting job for now, but little margin for error. The outcome of this battle could also determine multiple roster spots and potential cuts.
The competition for the No. 3 receiver role will be one of the most closely watched on offense. Andrei brings more experience, while Colbie Young offers intriguing size, athleticism and has already earned public praise from head coach Zac Taylor. Former CFL standout Dohnte Meyers, who topped 1,000 receiving yards in 15 games with Saskatchewan, has also entered the mix.
An improved secondary has placed both DJ Ivey and Daijahn Anthony firmly on the roster bubble. Anthony battled a lingering hamstring injury throughout 2025.
Ivey, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations as a depth corner and special teams contributor. For both players, excelling on special teams may be their clearest path to making the 53-man roster.
Continue reading...
Rookies report to Cincinnati Bengals training camp on July 25, with veterans arriving three days later on July 28. By the time the Bengals hold their joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 20, several of the roster’s biggest position battles and developmental questions should have clear answers.
From former first-round picks trying to justify their draft status to veterans fighting to keep roster spots, these are the players with the most at stake when training camp begins.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE
Shemar Stewart’s role in Cincinnati ill be one of the top things to keep an eye on before the start of the regular season. The former first-round pick heads into Year 2 with enormous upside but plenty to prove after recording just one sack as a rookie. A contract holdout and knee injury disrupted much of his first season, while Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy and Cashius Howell currently project ahead of him in the edge rotation.
After a rookie season that failed to live up to expectations, can he impress defensive coordinator Al Golden enough to earn consistent snaps next season?
Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, LB
The linebacker unit was one of Cincinnati’s weakest position groups in 2025 and will likely remain so next season, barring any notable reinforcements. Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter return as the projected starters after finishing among the NFL’s lowest-graded linebackers last season. Both showed gradual improvement late in the year, and the Bengals are counting on Dexter Lawrence’s arrival to improve the play in front of them.
Training camp will provide the first indication of whether the front office’s decision to entrust the linebacker room with Knight and Carter pays off in the long run.
Slot Cornerback Battle: Jalen Davis vs. Ja’Sir Taylor
The slot cornerback job is the most open competition on the roster as of this writing. Jalen Davis enters camp as the incumbent, but the additions of Ja’Sir Taylor, Kyle Dugger and rookie Tacario Davis have created significant competition.
Davis has the starting job for now, but little margin for error. The outcome of this battle could also determine multiple roster spots and potential cuts.
Colbie Young and Andrei Iosivas, WR
The competition for the No. 3 receiver role will be one of the most closely watched on offense. Andrei brings more experience, while Colbie Young offers intriguing size, athleticism and has already earned public praise from head coach Zac Taylor. Former CFL standout Dohnte Meyers, who topped 1,000 receiving yards in 15 games with Saskatchewan, has also entered the mix.
DJ Ivey and Daijahn Anthony, DB
An improved secondary has placed both DJ Ivey and Daijahn Anthony firmly on the roster bubble. Anthony battled a lingering hamstring injury throughout 2025.
Ivey, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations as a depth corner and special teams contributor. For both players, excelling on special teams may be their clearest path to making the 53-man roster.
Continue reading...
