Chatterbox Bengals: A Cincinnati Bengals NFL Podcast

The Cincinnati Bengals received some surprising news at practice as second-year defensive lineman Shemar Stewart returned to the football field after suffering a hyperextended knee on the first day of training camp. Zac Taylor originally described Stewart as week-to-week and expected him to spend significant time on the rehab field, making his appearance in pads and a helmet for individual drills a very encouraging development.
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In this podcast, we break down what Shemar Stewart's return means for the Bengals defensive line, how his role could look different in 2026, and why the pressure on the former first-round pick isn't nearly as high as it was during his rookie season. With Cincinnati adding Dexter Lawrence and other significant pieces to the defensive front, Stewart can develop as part of a talented rotation rather than being expected to immediately become a double-digit sack star.
We also discuss Erick All Jr. and Zac Taylor's comments about his return. After missing significant time because of an ACL injury and subsequent setback, All is finally preparing for a full return. His ability to block, line up as a fullback and make plays as a receiver could give Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense another dimension.
Plus, Joe Burrow appeared on Ja'Marr Chase's new podcast, Chasing No. 1, and talked about what he's most excited to see this season. Unsurprisingly, Dexter Lawrence was high on Burrow's list. We discuss what Lawrence brings to Cincinnati and why the Bengals defense finally appears to have the attitude, confidence and physicality they've been missing.
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The Cincinnati Bengals have several important storylines developing as the 2026 NFL season approaches, including contract situations, offensive line depth, and the health of key offensive weapons.
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DJ Turner, Dax Hill, and Chase Brown are all entering the final year of their rookie contracts, but Turner’s situation has become particularly noteworthy. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bengals and Turner are currently not close on a contract extension, raising questions about whether Cincinnati will allow the former second-round pick to play out his rookie deal. Turner has continued practicing and participating fully despite the contract uncertainty.
The Bengals also face concerns at offensive tackle behind Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims. Myles Hinton was claimed off waivers and could provide additional depth, but the team is still relying on several young players at a position that becomes extremely important if either starter misses time. With Joe Burrow behind center, protecting the franchise quarterback remains one of the biggest priorities heading into the season.
There are also updates involving Cincinnati’s top wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase has been dealing with a knee hyperextension, while Tee Higgins suffered a heel contusion. Neither injury is currently viewed as a major concern, but both players are crucial to the Bengals’ offense.
Dohnte Meyers has also received increased opportunities with Chase limited and continues to emerge as an important depth option at wide receiver. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Jack Endries has made significant progress as a blocker and has helped make Cam Grandy expendable as Cincinnati continues shaping its roster.
With the 2026 season approaching, the Bengals are balancing contract negotiations, roster decisions, injury updates, and depth concerns while preparing to compete in the AFC North.
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The Bengals filled the final five spots on their practice squad Tuesday, bringing the group to the 16-player limit. The additions are quarterback Josh Johnson, tight end Tanner Hudson, cornerback Trikweze Bridges, offensive tackle Blake Freeland and defensive end Garmon Randolph. 
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Freeland is the one to watch
The most intriguing addition is Blake Freeland, because Cincinnati's biggest unresolved offensive-line question may be the swing-tackle position. Freeland is a 6-foot-8, 305-pound former fourth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts who started nine games and appeared in 25 during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He missed all of 2025 after landing on injured reserve with a leg injury. 
That combination of NFL experience, size and athleticism makes Freeland more than a typical practice-squad flier. Cincinnati has been searching for a dependable answer behind starting tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, and the competition remains unsettled. Zac Taylor said Monday that the swing-tackle job is still up for grabs. 
The Bengals already added Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia, specifically giving themselves another option at tackle. Hinton is now on the 53-man roster, while Freeland gets a chance to develop and prove himself from the practice squad. That distinction could change quickly, though. 
Freeland's path is particularly interesting because he has already played meaningful NFL snaps. He isn't simply a developmental prospect who needs to learn how to handle the speed and power of NFL pass rushers. His rookie season was uneven, and he hasn't played meaningful football since 2024, but Cincinnati's coaching staff now has an opportunity to see whether the athleticism that made him a fourth-round selection can translate into a useful reserve role. 
The other four additions fill important depth needs. Johnson gives Cincinnati an experienced third quarterback behind Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco; Hudson returns after being released Monday; Bridges adds a young, 6-foot-2 corner who played 16 games for Dallas last season; and Randolph gives the Bengals another enormous edge/defensive-line body at 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds. 
But Freeland could have the clearest route from the practice squad to the active roster. If he gets healthy, gets comfortable in Cincinnati's system and shows he can handle the swing-tackle role, the Bengals may have found another legitimate insurance policy for Burrow's blind side.
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The Cincinnati Bengals have made another round of roster moves following Sunday’s 53-man roster deadline, and there are some notable names involved. Cincinnati announced the signing of 11 players to the practice squad, while also releasing veteran tight end Tanner Hudson.
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The Bengals’ initial practice squad includes Kentrel Bullock, Sean Clifford, Howard Cross III, Isaiah Foskey, Joe Giles-Harris, Shaka Heyward, Bralyn Lux, Kendall Milton, Jordan Moore, Noah Thomas and Russ Yeast. All 11 players were with Cincinnati during training camp, meaning the Bengals are bringing back several players who already understand the system and terminology.
There are some particularly interesting names in that group. Isaiah Foskey was a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster and has already spent time contributing for Cincinnati. Keeping him around gives the Bengals additional defensive-line depth and a player who could potentially be elevated if injuries hit. Sean Clifford gives Cincinnati another quarterback in the building after the team released Josh Johnson on Sunday. Noah Thomas is also an intriguing practice-squad addition after showing flashes during training camp.
The biggest surprise, however, may be Tanner Hudson being released. Hudson had become a familiar part of the Bengals’ offense over the past three seasons, catching 77 passes for 674 yards and four touchdowns during his Cincinnati tenure. He also developed a rapport with Joe Burrow and became a reliable receiving option at tight end.
The Bengals originally kept five tight ends on their 53-man roster, including Mike Gesicki, Erick All Jr., Drew Sample, Jack Endries and Cam Grandy. That made Hudson's roster spot difficult to justify, particularly after Cincinnati elected to keep its two seventh-round rookies and several other developmental players.
There are still five practice-squad spots available, so Cincinnati's roster construction is far from finished. More moves could be coming as the Bengals continue evaluating waiver claims, free agents and potential additions before Week 1.
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The Cincinnati Bengals made their first move following Sunday’s roster cutdown, claiming offensive tackle Myles Hinton off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles.
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This is a move that makes a lot of sense for Cincinnati because the offensive tackle position remains one of the biggest questions on the roster. Hinton is 6-foot-6, 323 pounds and was originally a sixth-round pick by Philadelphia in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He has experience playing both tackle spots and also saw some work at guard with the Eagles. 
Hinton did not appear in a regular-season game as a rookie after missing the season with a back injury, but he played 213 preseason snaps over the past two years. This preseason, he earned a 64.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade and a 75.0 pass-blocking grade, allowing just one pressure on 58 pass-blocking snaps according to PFF-based reporting. 
And that last part is especially interesting for Cincinnati.
The Bengals have been searching for a dependable swing tackle behind their starters, and Hinton gives them another young option to develop. Cincinnati had already moved on from Cody Ford, while Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers remained among the team's tackle depth. Now Hinton enters that competition and immediately gives the Bengals another player with legitimate NFL size and tackle experience. 
The Bengals reportedly made just one waiver claim, and they got their guy. None of Cincinnati's own waived players were claimed, meaning the team also has the opportunity to potentially bring some of those players back on the practice squad. 
Hinton isn't being brought in to start immediately, but this is exactly the kind of low-risk move Cincinnati needed to make. The Bengals identified offensive tackle as a weakness, found a young former draft pick with intriguing physical tools, and added him before Week 1.
Now the question is simple: Does Myles Hinton eventually take Javon Foster's job?
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The Cincinnati Bengals’ first 53-man roster is officially set, and there are plenty of storylines to discuss heading into Week 1. The team announced its roster right at the 6 p.m. deadline Sunday, giving fans plenty of time to react to the decisions.
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In this podcast, we break down the biggest takeaways from Cincinnati’s initial 53-man roster, including the surprising decision to keep Keshan Williams over Charlie Jones as the team’s primary returner. We also talk about Dohnte Meyers, who earned his way onto the roster with an impressive preseason and is expected to have a role on offense against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Other major topics include Cincinnati keeping just four linebackers, the decision to keep Shemar Stewart on the active roster for now, and the injury situations involving Brian Parker II and Ja'Sir Taylor.
We also discuss Jacob Bayer earning a roster spot, Landon Robinson making the team after an impressive preseason, and what the Bengals’ defensive line depth could mean for the 2026 season.
Plus, we look ahead to the waiver wire and discuss potential roster additions, including offensive tackle Christian Jones. Could Cincinnati make a move before Week 1? We’ll break down what to watch for as the Bengals continue shaping their roster.
The Bengals have made their initial cuts, but the roster-building process isn’t over. Waiver claims, practice squad moves, injuries and potential additions could still change the team before the season opener.
If you’re a Cincinnati Bengals fan, subscribe to Chatterbox Bengals for Bengals news, roster updates, NFL coverage, reactions, analysis and everything you need to know about the team heading into the 2026 season.
Who was the biggest surprise on the Bengals’ 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments!
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Craig Sandlin and Stone Shields break down every cut, surprise, and strategic choice for the Cincinnati Bengals on Cut Day. The Cincinnati Bengals have officially finalized their initial 53-man roster, and the decisions bring massive surprises. Headliner standouts like CFL breakout star Dohnte Meyers and rookie defensive tackle Landon Robinson survived the final roster squeeze after spectacular preseason showings. However, the front office shocked fans by moving on from established special teams ace Charlie Jones and last year's preseason darling Mitchell Tinsley. From keeping five tight ends to managing crucial injury-reserve designations, Zac Taylor's staff made bold gambles to optimize depth.
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The Cincinnati Bengals have until 6 p.m. ET Sunday to trim their roster down to 53 players, and after months of training camp, preseason games and roster battles, it’s time for a FINAL Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster projection.
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This podcast goes position by position to predict which players will make the Bengals’ initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. There are still some difficult decisions to make, but several roster spots have become much clearer following the preseason finale.
At quarterback, the projection has Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco making the roster. Josh Johnson is an interesting name to monitor as a potential trade piece or practice squad candidate as Cincinnati continues to evaluate its quarterback depth.
The wide receiver room features Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Dohnte Meyers and Charlie Jones. Chase and Higgins remain the unquestioned foundation of the group, while Iosivas, Meyers and Jones are competing for important roles behind the Bengals’ two stars. Dohnte Meyers has been one of the biggest surprises of Bengals training camp and preseason.
Two seventh-round rookies also make the projected 53-man roster: tight end Jack Endries and defensive tackle Landon Robinson. Both players entered the summer with plenty to prove, but their performances throughout training camp and the preseason have made them increasingly difficult to leave off the roster.
With the 6 p.m. Sunday deadline approaching, there are still questions surrounding the Bengals’ depth at several positions, along with potential trades, waiver claims and practice squad decisions that could reshape the roster after cutdown day.
Who makes the Cincinnati Bengals’ final 53-man roster? Who gets cut? Which players could surprise everyone on Sunday? And what will the Bengals’ roster look like when the 2026 NFL regular season begins?
Here is the final Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster projection heading into cutdown day.
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