Time is running out for players to secure a spot on the Cincinnati Bengals’ initial 53-man roster. The team’s 27-3 loss to the Chicago Bears on Saturday offered valuable insights into key position battles. While some players, like linebacker Maema Njongmeta, showed promise, others may have hurt their chances.
These three Bengals players might have sealed their fate after their performances in Week 2 of the preseason:
RG Trey Hill
With injuries and rookie Matt Lee taking over at center for the entire game, Hill was shifted to right guard against the Bears. However, the fourth-year player struggled, accumulating three penalties. Meanwhile, Lee, Jaxson Kirkland, and Nate Gilliam had strong performances to Hill’s left. As the Bengals finalize their offensive line, Hill’s struggles may cost him his spot.
LT Jackson Carman
A significant move by the coaching staff was starting Kirkland over Carman at left tackle. Kirkland played the first eight drives, while Carman was relegated to the final two, during which Devin Cochran also replaced Cody Ford at right tackle. Carman’s previous performance seems to have impacted his standing, and he has one more game to try and turn things around, though it may already be too late.
QB Logan Woodside
Though Woodside was likely to be cut, as Jake Browning’s backup quarterback position was never truly in jeopardy, there was a slim chance he could secure a spot as an emergency third QB, especially with Browning dealing with a rib injury. However, two interceptions and a consistent failure to recognize blitzes likely ended Woodside’s hopes of making the roster.
