Cincinnati Bengals news
NFL · 156 items across 52 days
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Bengals place TE Tanner Hudson on injured reserve with torn pectoral
Cincinnati placed tight end Tanner Hudson, 31, on injured reserve Monday after he tore a pectoral late in the Bengals' 31-24 win over Miami; he will miss a minimum of four games and could miss the rest of the season. Hudson, who signed with the Bengals in late September, had 3 catches for 14 yards and a touchdown against Miami and has totaled 84 catches for 707 yards and 5 touchdowns in 42 games across four seasons with the club. Head coach Zac Taylor called him "Mr. Dependable."
Zac Taylor: Bengals used bye week to "look inward," turnovers the focus before Ravens
Cincinnati enters its bye-week aftermath at 3-2, last in the AFC North, after a 31-24 win over Miami. Head coach Zac Taylor said the staff has already trimmed practice reps for some veterans, with more workload changes possible, and identified turnovers as the team's top priority. The receiver corps is getting healthier, with Colbie Young said to be closer to full health. Cincinnati next plays Sunday at Baltimore.
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Losing Hudson for at least a month puts more pressure on Cincinnati's tight end room right as the bye ends.
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Taylor's turnover-first message sets the tone for a trip to Baltimore that could reshape the AFC North picture.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Bengals Beat Dolphins 31-24, Burrow Throws Four TDs Entering Bye at 3-2
Burrow: 23/32, 190 yards, 4 TD passes, no INT Jordan Battle intercepted Malik Willis twice Evan McPherson hit his 22nd consecutive field goal, a Bengals record Bengals improve to 3-2, head into bye before a divisional trip to Baltimore
Bengals Claim LB Jack Kiser Off Waivers From Jaguars After Bozeman Breaks Forearm
Bengals claimed LB Jack Kiser off waivers from Jacksonville Kiser played for Bengals DC Al Golden at Notre Dame Swayze Bozeman placed on IR with a broken forearm suffered vs. Miami Coach Zac Taylor said the injury is not believed to be season-ending
Burrow, Taylor Say Bengals "Better Than That" After Sloppy Finish vs. Dolphins
Bengals fumbled twice in the red zone and had two personal fouls Miami closed within a score late; a missed PAT and failed onside kick sealed it Miami rushed for 217 yards “we're better than that, and we've got to clean that up.” — Zac Taylor
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Bengals Claim LB Jack Kiser Off Waivers From Jaguars After Bozeman Breaks Forearm
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Burrow, Taylor Say Bengals "Better Than That" After Sloppy Finish vs. Dolphins
Friday, October 16, 2026
Bengals use bye week to heal up, address late-game issues after near-collapse vs. Miami
Bengals are 3-2 after a 31-24 win over Miami in which a 28-10 fourth-quarter lead shrank to seven. LB Swayze Bozeman broke his forearm and will go on injured reserve; HC Zac Taylor said he does not believe it is season-ending. TE Tanner Hudson is being evaluated for a pectoral injury; S Kyle Dugger "remains week to week." Taylor said the next opponent, Baltimore, is "a really good team." HC Zac Taylor said: "There's that moment there where it's 28-10 in the fourth quarter."
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Cincinnati uses its bye to regroup after nearly blowing a big lead against Miami.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Zac Taylor says Bengals' bye-week focus is cleaning up penalties, late-game lapses
Cincinnati (3-2) is using its bye week to address penalties and late-game execution after a 31-24 win over Miami in which the Bengals nearly let a 28-10 fourth-quarter lead slip. LB Swayze Bozeman broke his forearm against Miami and is going on IR; not believed season-ending. TE Tanner Hudson is being evaluated for a pectoral injury; S Kyle Dugger remains week-to-week. Taylor praised the run game, pass rush, Jordan Battle's two interceptions, DJ Turner's coverage, Evan McPherson's kicking streak and a deep Burrow-to-Chase touchdown.
Bengals claim LB Jack Kiser off waivers from Jaguars, place Bozeman on IR
Cincinnati claimed LB Jack Kiser off waivers from Jacksonville after Jacksonville waived him. Kiser, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame, played for current Bengals DC Al Golden in college; he appeared in 14 games as a rookie (10 tackles, 4 special-teams tackles) before being inactive for three games and waived by Jacksonville. The move accompanied Swayze Bozeman going on injured reserve with a forearm injury.
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Cincinnati's bye-week focus on cutting penalties and late-game mistakes carries into the next stretch.
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New linebacker Jack Kiser's waiver-claim arrival fills the roster spot opened by Bozeman's injury.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Bengals Enter Bye at 3-2 After Late Scare in Miami, Bozeman Headed to IR
Bengals beat the Dolphins 31-24 in Miami Gardens, ending a two-game skid and improving to 3-2 before the bye Joe Burrow went 23-of-32 for 190 yards and four touchdown passes; Ja'Marr Chase caught a 45-yard TD Safety Jordan Battle intercepted Miami's Malik Willis twice in the win LB Swayze Bozeman broke his forearm on a special-teams play and is going on injured reserve; Taylor said he does not believe it is season-ending Cincinnati returns from the bye with a divisional road game at Baltimore
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Ja'Marr Chase ruled out with concussion vs. Jaguars
Chase went down for several minutes after a hard second-quarter hit, was sent to the medical tent, and was declared out at halftime with a concussion.
Burrow on 2-2 start: 'This isn't Armageddon'
Following a 22-17 loss to Jacksonville that included two Burrow interceptions and injuries to Chase and Higgins, Burrow downplayed the setback, saying 'nobody wins a championship after Week 4.'
Chase still in concussion protocol, Higgins day-to-day ahead of Dolphins game
Coach Zac Taylor said Chase remains in the concussion protocol and Higgins is day-to-day as Cincinnati (2-2) prepares to travel to Miami; Mitchell Tinsley is taking on a bigger receiving role in the interim.
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Chase's concussion-protocol status is the swing factor for Cincinnati's receiving corps entering Miami.
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Back-to-back losses have the Bengals (2-2) needing a response on the road.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Chase still in concussion protocol, Higgins day-to-day as Bengals prep for Miami
Ja'Marr Chase remains in concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's loss to Jacksonville; Tee Higgins (11 catches, 157 yards that game) is day-to-day after a late injury, with practice-squad signee Mitchell Tinsley pressed into expanded duty.
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The health of both starting receivers is the swing factor for a 2-2 Bengals offense heading to Miami.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Bengals fall 22-17 to Jaguars, drop to 2-2; Chase, Higgins questionable for Miami
Cincinnati's comeback bid fell a yard short on the final play. WR Ja'Marr Chase remains in the concussion protocol and WR Tee Higgins (groin) is day-to-day -- both uncertain for the Dolphins game.
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Chase and Higgins' Wednesday practice statuses will decide how much Cincinnati can throw at Miami.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Bengals add WR Mitchell Tinsley off Texans' practice squad amid receiver injuries
Cincinnati signed Tinsley to its active roster as Andrei Iosivas remains on IR and Colbie Young is out with a knee injury; the club also released returner Ke'Shawn Williams days after a botched punt return.
Evan McPherson named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month
The Bengals kicker went 8-for-8 on field goals and 8-for-8 on extra points in September, including a franchise-record five field goals of 50-plus yards.
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Cincinnati's receiver room stays thin behind Chase and Higgins after more IR moves.
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Evan McPherson's hot streak gives Cincinnati a rare sure thing special-teams-wise.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Bengals look to bounce back to 3-1 against Jaguars
Cincinnati hosts Jacksonville trying to rebound from last week's loss, with CB Kyle Dugger out and others questionable.
Burrow, Chase, Taylor address Steelers loss; Jalen Davis to IR
Cincinnati's locker room took responsibility for last week's loss as CB Jalen Davis landed on IR and two safeties manage bumps and bruises.
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Secondary depth (Davis to IR, Cook and Battle banged up) is the swing factor as Cincinnati tries to bounce back against Jacksonville.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Bengals-Jaguars matchup part of a rare 'Cat Bowl' weekend across the NFL
Cincinnati's Sunday game against Jacksonville, paired with Detroit-Carolina Sunday night, marks the first time all four feline-mascot franchises have landed in simultaneous cat-vs-cat matchups in the same week.
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Sunday's Jaguars game is part of a historic 'Cat Bowl' weekend across the NFL's four feline-mascot franchises.
Friday, October 2, 2026
Bengals lean on depth and vow to move past the Steelers loss amid secondary and receiver injuries
Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor addressed late-game execution after a tough loss to Pittsburgh, with CB Jalen Davis headed to IR and several defensive backs limited ahead of Jacksonville.
Evan McPherson named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month
A perfect September (8-for-8 on field goals and extra points, including two 55+-yard kicks) earns the Bengals kicker his second career monthly honor.
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Bengals' secondary and receiver depth as injuries mount
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Evan McPherson's record-setting September as a season-long thread
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Bengals' Week 4 injury report crowded with DNPs ahead of Jaguars
Six Bengals missed or were limited at Wednesday practice, including starting safeties Kyle Dugger and Jordan Battle plus starting guard Dalton Risner, as Cincinnati (2-1) prepares to face the NFL's stingiest-scoring defense on the road.
Scouting report: Jaguars bring NFL's stingiest defense to Cincinnati
Jacksonville (2-1) allows a league-low 12.0 points per game and protects Trevor Lawrence (7 TD, 2 INT) well; Cincinnati counters with the NFL's 5th-highest pressure rate (39.7%) in a key Week 4 strength-on-strength test.
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Bengals' banged-up back end faces its toughest test yet against Jacksonville's stingy defense.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Bengals sign WR Mitchell Tinsley, overhaul roster after special-teams miscue
Cincinnati made several roster moves the day after its first loss of the season, including releasing a returner following a muffed punt and adding practice-squad depth at a thin receiver spot.
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Bengals retooling special teams and receiver depth after their first loss of the season.
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Bengals' unbeaten start ends in Pittsburgh on a late Burrow fumble, 30-27
Cincinnati fell to 2-1 after Joe Burrow fumbled with under a minute left; Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins each topped 90 receiving yards with a touchdown.
Burrow, Taylor point to self-inflicted mistakes in the loss
Local coverage pinned the loss on special-teams miscues and a strip-sack rather than a talent gap; Burrow called it 'self-inflicted.'
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Special-teams execution is the fix Cincinnati needs after Sunday's miscues.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Bengals Blow Late Lead, Fall 30-27 to Steelers on Special-Teams, Turnover Mistakes
Cincinnati led in the fourth quarter before a roughing-the-punter penalty, a muffed punt and a game-ending strip-sack of Joe Burrow handed the AFC North road game to Pittsburgh.
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Special-teams and turnover discipline after a self-inflicted AFC North loss
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Bengals frame Pittsburgh trip as first true road test of unbeaten start
The 2-0 Bengals travel to Pittsburgh for their first AFC North divisional game of the season, with local coverage framing it as Cincinnati's first legitimate road test of the year.
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Unbeaten Bengals frame the Steelers trip as their first true road and divisional test of the season.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Bengals' retooled defense has 'lived up to the hype' through two weeks
Cincinnati has allowed just 16.5 points a game behind an offseason defensive overhaul, a big reason for its 2-0 start heading into Pittsburgh.
Bengals to use receivers 'by committee' after Iosivas thumb surgery
Cincinnati will be without depth receiver Andrei Iosivas for at least a month as it opens division play at Pittsburgh unbeaten.
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League-best defense fuels Bengals' bid for a 3-0 start at Pittsburgh.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Chase Brown, Bengals eye 3-0 start in 'dogfight' at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati (2-0, AFC North lead) visits Pittsburgh (1-1) in a matchup Brown calls a defining early test after the Bengals' defense-driven win over Houston.
Ja'Marr Chase fined by NFL for touchdown celebration, says he wants to appeal
Chase was fined for a wrestling-themed touchdown celebration against Houston; he said on the record that he intends to appeal.
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Bengals eye a 3-0 start and real division separation at Pittsburgh.
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Chase's TD-celebration fine and planned appeal.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Bengals Lose WR Andrei Iosivas to IR After Thumb Surgery
Cincinnati's No. 3 receiver, Andrei Iosivas, will miss at least four games after surgery for a torn thumb ligament suffered in the Week 2 win over Houston, pushing rookie Colbie Young and more two-tight-end sets into larger roles for the 2-0 Bengals.
Zac Taylor: Bengals' 2-0 Start Encouraging But 'Not a Finished Product'
Head coach Zac Taylor flagged pre-snap penalties and miscommunication as issues to clean up as Cincinnati, one of four unbeaten AFC teams, heads into a divisional game at Pittsburgh.
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Cincinnati's receiver depth is tested by Iosivas' injury.
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Taylor wants cleaner execution as the Bengals chase a 3-0 start at Pittsburgh.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Zac Taylor "encouraged" by Bengals' 2-0 start ahead of first AFC North test at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati beat Houston 20-6; Joe Burrow went 20-of-31 for 207 yards and 2 TDs, both to Ja'Marr Chase. Bengals sit alone atop the AFC North and open division play at Pittsburgh. Taylor: "We're not a finished product... Pittsburgh is all we're focused on. It's always a really grimy game."
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Cincinnati opens AFC North play at Pittsburgh looking to stay unbeaten atop the division.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Zac Taylor: Bengals 2-0 but "not a finished product" heading to Pittsburgh
Cincinnati's defense and special teams drove Sunday's 20-6 win at Houston. Joe Burrow, playing through back tightness, called his own game "incredibly average" despite two TD passes to Ja'Marr Chase; the Bengals now travel to Pittsburgh for their first AFC North game of the season.
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Bengals carry the AFC North's only 2-0 record into the division opener at Pittsburgh.
Monday, September 21, 2026
Bengals defense smothers Texans, Burrow-Chase connect twice in 20-6 road win
Cincinnati is 2-0 for the first time in years behind a defense-first effort; Houston went 0-for-4 on fourth down and was held without a touchdown. Joe Burrow threw for 207 yards and two scores, both to Ja'Marr Chase.
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Bengals' defense-first identity is carrying a 2-0 start — worth tracking as competition stiffens.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Ja'Marr Chase downplays frustration over quiet 2-catch opener, preps for Stingley reunion
Chase says his knee 'feels great' after a quiet 2-catch Week 1; both Burrow and Taylor have committed to getting him more involved as Cincinnati travels to face former LSU teammate CB Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans.
Joe Burrow limited in practice with back tightness, insists he'll play at Houston
Burrow did not take full practice reps citing back tightness that began after Sunday's game, but said it won't limit his mobility; Taylor called Houston's defense 'elite talent across the board.'
Evan McPherson named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after franchise-record kicking night
McPherson scored 15 of Cincinnati's 33 points in Week 1, hitting 4-for-4 field goals including a 55- and a 58-yarder — the first Bengal with multiple 55+ yard field goals in one game — moving to 5th on the franchise's career list.
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Burrow's back tightness is worth tracking through the week ahead of a tough Houston defense.
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Getting Chase more involved is the offense's stated priority heading into Week 2.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Joe Burrow limited in practice with back tightness, vows to play vs. Texans
Burrow got mental reps only Wednesday but says he intends to play; Cincinnati also wants to get WR Ja'Marr Chase more involved after just two touches in the opener.
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Joe Burrow's back tightness is a watch item heading into a tough Houston defense.
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Bengals want to get Ja'Marr Chase more involved after a quiet opener.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Bengals' rebuilt defense forces four turnovers in 33-27 win over Buccaneers
LB Demetrius Knight Jr. returned a fumble for a TD; K Evan McPherson hit field goals from 55 and 58 yards; Burrow threw for 254 yards and a score.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Zac Taylor's film review: clean pocket for Burrow, but neutral-zone penalties must be fixed
Reviewing Cincinnati's Week 1 win over Tampa Bay, coach Zac Taylor praised the offensive line for protecting Joe Burrow (25-of-35, 254 yards) and said he isn't worried about Burrow's pick-six, while flagging four neutral-zone-infraction penalties as a discipline problem heading into a Week 2 trip to Houston.
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Zac Taylor wants the penalty discipline fixed before a Week 2 trip to Houston.
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Rookie linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. are already drawing praise for fast reads.
Monday, September 14, 2026
Bengals' retooled defense forces four turnovers in 33-27 win over Buccaneers
Cincinnati's offseason defensive investment (Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen) paid off immediately as a fumble-return touchdown from Demetrius Knight Jr. helped seal a season-opening win.
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Cincinnati's retooled defensive front faces its next test after forcing four Week 1 turnovers.
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Joe Burrow's nine-receiver spread offense is a thread worth tracking as the passing game finds its rhythm.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Joe Burrow says he's 'more excited this year than I've been in a long time'
Burrow says his legs are healthy again after last year's toe injury ahead of Sunday's opener vs. Tampa Bay; he praised Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins' readiness.
Bengals' 53-man roster emphasizes O-line depth, physical run game
Cincinnati kept 10 offensive linemen and claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers; Chase (knee) and Higgins (heel) are both expected ready for Week 1 despite missing camp reps.
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Will Cincinnati's revamped D-line finally deliver the pass rush Burrow says it's built for?
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Do Chase and Higgins both go full speed vs. Tampa Bay after camp injuries?
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Does rookie WR Dohnte Meyers turn camp buzz into real Week 1 targets?
Friday, September 11, 2026
Zac Taylor wants Bengals judged by what happens on the field, not September history
Taylor pushed back on Cincinnati's history of slow starts and praised new defensive additions Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen ahead of Sunday's opener vs. Tampa Bay.
Cincinnati Magazine: Bengals open season against old division rival Baker Mayfield
A season-opening column frames Sunday's Tampa Bay game around Baker Mayfield's history as a 'Bengals killer' from his Browns days, previewing the new Al Golden-led defense's first real test.
Bengals DE Shemar Stewart returns to practice after scary knee injury
Stewart, who hyperextended his knee on Day 1 of camp and feared his season was over, is back at practice, though a Week 1 return remains a long shot.
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Ja'Marr Chase's and Tee Higgins' practice limitations (knee/heel) heading into the opener.
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Whether the retooled defensive line changes Cincinnati's September pattern.
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Shemar Stewart's timeline back from his camp knee injury.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Bengals prep for Sunday's opener vs. Buccaneers; Taylor says team is "ready to go"
Cincinnati hosts Tampa Bay in a nationally-watched opener; new defensive additions Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook have already taken vocal leadership roles per coach Zac Taylor.
Chase, Higgins limited in practice; Shemar Stewart not on IR as he eyes return
WR Ja'Marr Chase (knee) and WR Tee Higgins (heel) were both limited Wednesday; DE Shemar Stewart was kept off IR, leaving open a Week 2-3 return rather than a mandatory four-game absence.
Bengals fill 16-man practice squad, bring back Hudson and Johnson
Cincinnati signed five players to the practice squad including TE Tanner Hudson and QB Josh Johnson after claiming OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia.
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Zac Taylor's rebuilt defense faces its first real test at home against Tampa Bay.
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Shemar Stewart's return timeline (Week 2-3, not IR) is the pass-rush question to watch.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Zac Taylor downplays 'slow starts' narrative, praises new-look defense ahead of Bucs opener
Taylor pointed to newcomers Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen as early defensive leaders as Cincinnati hosts Tampa Bay in its 'Orange Out' opener.
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Slow-start history looms again; new defensive faces (Lawrence, Cook) are the test case vs. Tampa Bay.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Chase, Higgins return to practice ahead of opener
Both starting WRs were full participants days before the Sept. 13 home opener; HC Zac Taylor said both would be ready.
Zac Taylor confronts Bengals' slow-start narrative, names captains
Taylor addressed Cincinnati's history of slow Septembers ahead of hosting Tampa Bay; seven captains chosen by teammate vote, including newcomer Bryan Cook.
Bengals' 2026 cap sheet: Burrow, Higgins, Chase top the payroll
Cincinnati carries $306.7M in cap allocations (13th in NFL) with 28 players earning $2M or more.
Bengal Jim's "Before the Roar" -- inside the city's biggest tailgate
Jimmie Foster's 33-year-old tailgate now draws 2,500-5,000 fans to Smale Park and has raised nearly $1M for local charities since 2019.
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Chase and Higgins trending toward full Week 1 availability
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Slow-start narrative under scrutiny with new defensive additions in the fold
Monday, September 7, 2026
Zac Taylor wants to stop talking about Bengals' slow starts and start playing
Players voted seven captains, with Taylor singling out newcomers Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen for defensive leadership ahead of Sunday's 'Orange Out' opener vs. Tampa Bay.
Chase, Higgins trending toward Week 1 as Bengals await first injury report
Taylor said 'all three looked good' ahead of Wednesday's first Week 1 injury report, with Ja'Marr Chase (knee) and Tee Higgins (heel) both working through minor camp issues.
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Chase/Higgins health check ahead of Wednesday's first official injury report.
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New defensive captains (Lawrence, Cook, Mafe, Allen) signal a leadership shift up front.
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Bengals believe they're 'much more advanced' heading into Week 1
Cincinnati treated its final camp week as a 'dress rehearsal.' DE Shemar Stewart (hyperextended knee) returned to practice and was not placed on IR; a return by Week 2 or 3 is considered realistic.
Bengals' roster set: Chase, Higgins limited in practice but expected for Week 1
Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) did not participate in the open portion of practice, but HC Zac Taylor said he 'feels very good' about both for Week 1. Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia.
Taylor: defensive line depth is Bengals' biggest year-over-year upgrade
Taylor named the defensive line (11 kept) as the clearest improvement heading into 2026; the swing-tackle competition between Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers remains open.
Cincinnati Magazine: Year 7 of the Burrow-Taylor era arrives at a 'crossroads'
A local columnist frames 2026 as pivotal for the Burrow/Taylor partnership, noting Cincinnati's first unbeaten preseason of Taylor's tenure and the league's easiest schedule by one measure, while flagging September as historically a weak stretch for this coaching staff.
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Chase/Higgins injury clouds linger but Taylor voices Week 1 confidence.
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Swing-tackle job between Foster and Rivers still undecided.
Friday, September 4, 2026
Chase, Higgins held out of Bengals practice as team manages injuries before opener
Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) both sat out portions of practice this week; Zac Taylor says he feels good about both being ready for the Sept. 13 opener.
Bengals bulk up O-line depth, lean on rookies as 53-man roster takes shape
Cincinnati kept 10 offensive linemen and claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers; WR Dohnte Meyers made the roster as a camp surprise, and several rookies are ticketed for early roles.
Cincinnati Magazine: Bengals enter Week 1 with rare 'good vibes' after unbeaten preseason
Bengals finished the preseason unbeaten for the first time under Zac Taylor, with new DT Dexter Lawrence transforming a defense that struggled the past two seasons.
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Chase and Higgins managed through minor ailments as Bengals aim for both ready Week 1.
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Rookie class poised for real early roles as O-line depth is rebuilt.
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Bengals enter Week 1 unbeaten in preseason for the first time under Zac Taylor.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Chase, Higgins held out of practice; Taylor expects both for Week 1
Bengals WRs Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) both missed reporter-viewable practice reps days before the Sept. 13 opener at Tampa Bay, though HC Zac Taylor said he feels good about both being ready.
Bengals lean on rookies, add O-line depth via waiver claim
Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia, kept undrafted WR Dohnte Meyers as a camp surprise, and is leaning on rookies including TE Jack Endries for a more physical run-game identity.
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Whether Chase and Higgins are full-go for the Tampa Bay opener is the top camp-ending storyline.
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A retooled, more physical O-line room signals a run-game emphasis shift under Taylor.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Bengals fill practice squad to 16, bring back Tanner Hudson and Josh Johnson
Cincinnati re-signed TE Tanner Hudson and 14th-year QB Josh Johnson among five practice-squad additions Sept. 1, after releasing Hudson from the 53 to open a spot for waiver claim OT Myles Hinton (from Philadelphia).
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Practice-squad TE depth restocked around Hudson after his 53-man release for a waiver claim.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Bengals reach 53-man roster limit: Charlie Jones, McKinnley Jackson, Daijahn Anthony among cuts
Cincinnati waived 30 players and released four vested veterans (HB Gary Brightwell, LB Joe Giles-Harris, QB Josh Johnson, S Russ Yeast) while placing two players on Reserve/Injured.
Bengals release Tanner Hudson, claim Myles Hinton off waivers
Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia and released TE Tanner Hudson (77 catches over three Bengals seasons), now carrying 10 offensive linemen.
Bengals enter the 2026 season after trading for DT Dexter Lawrence and retooling the D-line
Cincinnati Magazine's season preview covers the trade of the 10th overall pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence, plus edge additions Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell.
Monday, August 31, 2026
Bengals trim to 53, waive WR Charlie Jones, DT McKinnley Jackson
Cincinnati placed G Brian Parker II and CB Ja'Sir Taylor on IR with return designations, terminated four vested veterans' contracts, and will announce a practice squad Monday.
Ja'Marr Chase hyperextends knee, says he's OK
Chase hurt his left knee on the second play of an 11-on-11 period late in camp; Tee Higgins stopped practicing after seeing the injury, but Chase is expected to be fine.
Bengals' final roster battles: swing tackle, WR numbers, D-line depth
Cincinnati released OT Cody Ford leaving the swing-tackle job open, while a deep receiver room and a strong camp from rookie DL Landon Robinson could push the Bengals to keep 11 D-linemen.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Bengals finish a perfect 3-0 preseason, beating Eagles 30-13
Cincinnati closed the preseason undefeated; rookie CB Tacario Davis returned a 15-yard pick-six and RB Kentrel Bullock led all rushers with 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries as the Bengals turn to Sunday's 53-man cutdown.
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bengals complete perfect 3-0 preseason, beat Eagles 30-13
Cincinnati built a 9-0 lead on three McPherson field goals, including a 58-yarder, before Philadelphia rallied to 16-13 in the third quarter. Sean Clifford (5-of-9, 53 yards, TD) and Josh Johnson (12-of-19, 156 yards) split QB duties; RBs Kentrel Bullock and Jamal Haynes combined for 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Rookie safety Tacario Davis had a tipped-ball interception.
Friday, August 28, 2026
Ja'Marr Chase avoids serious injury after left-knee scare at camp
Chase hyperextended his left knee on a route during 11-on-11 work; he will not play in Friday's finale vs. Philadelphia. Tee Higgins stopped practicing to check on his close friend after the play.
Bengals' roster bubble shifts: Dohnte Meyers emerging at WR, safety and swing-tackle battles tighten
Meyers has taken first-team reps and is viewed as having nearly locked a spot, partly for return value, which could push Charlie Jones to the roster's edge; Russ Yeast and P.J. Jules compete at safety, and Jalen Rivers/Javon Foster get another look at swing tackle after Cody Ford's release.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Bengals' roster-bubble battles intensify as Rivers, Newton, Robinson make late cases
Cincinnati released veteran OL Cody Ford, opening a swing-tackle competition between Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster; CB Josh Newton has intercepted a pass in three straight practices; rookie DT Landon Robinson had 1.5 sacks vs. Chicago.
40-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson leads Bengals to rare second preseason win
Johnson went 15-of-23 for 156 yards and 2 TDs in a 27-9 win over Chicago with Burrow and Flacco resting; it's Cincinnati's first multi-win preseason since 2019.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Bengals cut OL Cody Ford as roster-bubble battles intensify
Cincinnati released veteran lineman Cody Ford Monday after two holding penalties and two false starts vs. Chicago, opening a swing-tackle competition between Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster. CB Josh Newton has an interception in three straight practices; WR Dohnte Meyers worked with the first-team offense and is considered close to a roster lock.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Journeyman Josh Johnson leads Bengals to 27-9 win over Bears, first 2-0 preseason under Zac Taylor
40-year-old Josh Johnson threw two TDs with Burrow, Flacco and Cincinnati's starters held out entirely; rookie WR Noah Thomas also caught a TD.
With Bengals starters done for preseason, roster battles at WR, tackle and linebacker take center stage
Zac Taylor confirmed starters won't play again this preseason; WR (Colbie Young, Dohnte Meyers), swing tackle (Cody Ford vs. Jalen Rivers) and depth linebacker jobs remain open ahead of the Aug. 30 cutdown.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Ja'Marr Chase delivers blunt message to Bengals' offensive line: protect Joe Burrow
Following a scuffle at a Bengals-Bears joint practice, Chase made clear that protecting Burrow is the line's top priority this season, after Burrow took 17 sacks in 8 games in an injury-shortened 2025. The starting O-line is largely unchanged from last year.
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Bengals O-line protection of Burrow is the season's defining storyline
Friday, August 21, 2026
Bengals' defense rebounds in biggest camp test vs. Bears; Burrow: 'now or never'
Cincinnati's defense forced two Caleb Williams turnovers in Thursday's joint practice; Burrow completed his first six targets including a red-zone TD to Tee Higgins ahead of Saturday's game and the Sept. 13 opener at Tampa Bay.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Bengals defense stands out in joint practice with Bears; Burrow to sit Saturday
Dexter Lawrence had an interception among several defensive plays in Thursday's joint session; Joe Burrow praised the defense but said the offense needs more consistency. HC Zac Taylor confirmed Burrow and other starters will not play in Saturday's preseason game vs. Chicago.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Bengals offense struggles in sloppy Day 13 practice ahead of joint session with Bears
Drops by Tee Higgins and Samaje Perine and red-zone stalls marked an uneven day for Cincinnati's offense; HC Zac Taylor flagged four-minute-offense execution as a weak spot ahead of Saturday's game vs. Chicago.
Monday, August 17, 2026
Bengals Defense Delivers in Preseason Opener; Long-Shot Receiver Dohnte Meyers Makes His Case
Cincinnati's remade defense produced a takeaway and quick stops in the team's preseason-opening win over Detroit, an early sign the offseason defensive investment is paying off, while depth wideout Dohnte Meyers pushed his roster case in one of the team's most competitive position battles heading toward Week 2 of the preseason. Bengals starting defense played Detroit's first two possessions, producing a Jordan Battle interception on the opening series and forcing a three-and-out on the second. Joe Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards but was sacked on the opening possession and took a hard hit on a third-down throw on the second drive. Former CFL receiver Dohnte Meyers caught three passes and added a 13-yard run in a deep Bengals receiver room competing for roster spots.
Bengals rookie CB Ceyair Wright leaves the team for an acting role
Cincinnati announced Saturday that Wright had left to pursue other opportunities and placed him on the Exempt/Left Squad list, signing rookie CB Matthew McDoom in a subsequent move. Reporting indicates a lead film role running through late October. Wright is not giving up on playing in the NFL.
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Bengals Defense Delivers in Preseason Opener; Long-Shot Receiver Dohnte Meyers Makes His Case
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Bengals rookie CB Ceyair Wright leaves the team for an acting role
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Bengals defense forces early turnover in 16-14 preseason win over Lions
Cincinnati's starting defense played Detroit's first two possessions; safety Jordan Battle intercepted a pass on the opening series and the unit forced a three-and-out on the second. Joe Burrow went 5-of-6 for 39 yards before giving way to backups.
Long-shot receiver Dohnte Meyers makes his case in Bengals' crowded WR room
The former CFL receiver caught three passes and added a 13-yard run for a first down in the preseason opener, pressing for a spot in a receiver room stacked behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
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The revamped defense's early form
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Roster battles in a crowded receiver room
