Chatterbox Bengals: A Cincinnati Bengals NFL Podcast

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially entered game week, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to Paycor Stadium for the 2026 season opener. In this episode, we break down the latest Bengals news, including Al Golden's comments on rookie defensive lineman Cashius Howell, the team's linebacker situation, Zac Taylor's pressure heading into 2026, and the newly announced seven team captains.
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Al Golden's comments about Cashius Howell immediately caught our attention. The Bengals defensive coordinator already considers Howell a hit before he has played a single regular-season snap. After showing flashes of his rare combination of speed, power and physicality throughout training camp and the preseason, can Howell provide an immediate impact for Cincinnati's defense?
We also discuss Barrett Carter officially taking over the green dot and what that means for the Bengals' linebacker group alongside Demetrius Knight. With the regular season almost here, Cincinnati will finally get its first real answer on whether this young linebacker group can hold up.
Plus, we dive into Zac Taylor's 2026 pressure. His seat is among the hottest in the NFL, but Taylor understands the expectations surrounding a Bengals team with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, a favorable schedule and significant offseason additions. Can he lead Cincinnati back to the playoffs?
Finally, we take another look at the seven Bengals captains for 2026, including Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, DJ Turner II, Ted Karras, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Evan McPherson—and discuss what the new leadership group says about this year's team.
Bengals vs. Buccaneers is finally here. Game week has arrived.
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The Bengals are getting some major positive news just six days before the start of the 2026 season. Cincinnati announced its seven team captains Monday, with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Ted Karras returning as offensive captains. The new faces are defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, safety Bryan Cook and cornerback DJ Turner II, while Evan McPherson returns as the special teams captain.
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The captaincy is particularly interesting because it reflects how dramatically different this Bengals defense looks entering the season. Lawrence was acquired this offseason in the blockbuster trade that sent Cincinnati’s No. 10 overall pick to the Giants, while Cook and Turner are expected to be major pieces of the revamped defense. Turner emerged as one of Cincinnati’s leaders during his breakout 2025 season, and now he gets the “C” to go along with that responsibility.
But perhaps the biggest news Monday came on the injury front. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were both back on the practice field. Chase has been dealing with a hyperextended knee suffered August 25, while Higgins has been working through a heel injury. Both missed practice last week, but Zac Taylor had already indicated that he expected both receivers to be ready for the September 13 opener against Tampa Bay.
And there’s more encouraging news surrounding first-round pick Shemar Stewart, who had remained on the rehab field last week while recovering from a knee injury. His return to practice would be another significant development for a Bengals defense that desperately needs its new pieces healthy.
Ultimately, Monday was exactly the kind of day Cincinnati wanted heading into Week 1: seven captains named, Chase and Higgins back on the field, and the revamped defense moving closer to full strength. After everything that has happened over the offseason, the Bengals are finally getting close to seeing what this team actually looks like when it counts.
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The Cincinnati Bengals have finalized their 53-man roster, and this might be the deepest roster Zac Taylor has had since taking over as head coach. While the stars at the top of the roster get most of the attention, there are several underrated Bengals players who could become extremely important if injuries strike.
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In this episode, we break down five Bengals hidden gems who aren't currently starters but could play meaningful roles for Cincinnati during the 2026 NFL season.
First up is Ke'Shawn Williams, who appears to have won the Bengals' returner job over Charlie Jones. Williams has shown big-play ability and an edge that could help Cincinnati improve its field position and give Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense better opportunities to score.
We also look at defensive lineman Cedric Johnson, a player who doesn't get nearly enough attention despite consistently making plays when he's on the field. If Cincinnati needs more defensive-line depth, Johnson could be ready to step into a larger rotational role.
Jacob Bayer is another intriguing Bengals roster addition. The young offensive lineman went from an undrafted free agent fighting for a roster spot to potentially becoming an important reserve at center and guard. With injuries already affecting Cincinnati's offensive line, Bayer could be one of those depth players who helps keep the season on track.
Samaje Perine also deserves more attention. Chase Brown is the Bengals' lead running back, but Perine brings experience, toughness, pass protection and veteran leadership that could become extremely valuable throughout the season.
Finally, we discuss DJ Ivey, who has alleviated some major concerns about Cincinnati's cornerback depth after an impressive training camp and preseason. His ability to compete against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has Bengals coaches and fans feeling much better about the secondary.
Which of these five Bengals players will make the biggest impact in 2026?
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The Cincinnati Bengals are just days away from the 2026 NFL season, and the AFC North could be one of the biggest keys to their postseason hopes. In this episode, we take a deep dive around the AFC North and examine why the Bengals may be in the driver’s seat heading into Week 1.
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Cincinnati has something the rest of the division doesn’t: continuity. While the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns enter 2026 with new coaching dynamics, quarterback questions and major storylines, Zac Taylor and the Bengals are looking to build on what they already have.
We break down Pittsburgh’s decision to bring back Aaron Rodgers, draft Drew Allar and continue searching for Ben Roethlisberger’s long-term successor under Mike McCarthy. We also discuss whether the Steelers are finally prioritizing the quarterback position — and what that means for the Bengals.
In Baltimore, Jesse Minter is making subtle changes rather than completely overhauling the Ravens. We also discuss the incredible Joe Fagnano story and how he went from an overlooked undrafted free agent to making Baltimore’s 53-man roster.
The Cleveland Browns have major questions of their own, including whether rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston can immediately make an impact and whether Deshaun Watson can prove the doubters wrong in 2026.
But the biggest concerns for Bengals fans may be closer to home. Cincinnati’s offensive-line depth remains a major question heading into Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Can Scott Peters once again get the most out of a thin group? And will the Bengals be able to keep Joe Burrow protected?
We also discuss the latest Bengals contract-extension situation involving D.J. Turner, Dax Hill, Myles Murphy and Chase Brown, plus Cincinnati’s available cap space and whether the Bengals could make a last-minute deal before the regular season.
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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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