Learnings from Cincinnati Bengals' Preseason Finale

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor rested his starters in the final preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor made the decision to rest his starters in the team's final preseason game against the Washington Commanders. This allowed for the spotlight to be on the quarterback competition and various position battles, particularly for players on the bubble who were fighting for a roster spot.

Within the next 48 hours, director of personnel Duke Tobin and Taylor will finalize the Bengals' 53-man roster, as all NFL rosters must be cut down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

One of the major takeaways from the preseason finale was the injury to defensive end Joseph Ossai. Ossai has been plagued by injuries throughout his NFL career and was hoping to prove his durability and high-level play this season. Unfortunately, he injured his right ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. The severity of the injury is uncertain, but it is suspected to be a sprain. Ossai is expected to play a significant role in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's defense, so his injury is a cause for concern.

The backup quarterback role was also up for grabs in the game between Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian. Browning started the game and had a strong performance, completing all six of his pass attempts for 42 yards and a touchdown. Siemian entered the game in the second quarter and had his best performance of the preseason, completing 14-of-23 passes for 133 yards. However, he made a poor decision that resulted in an interception. Taylor and his staff will discuss the quarterback position extensively to determine who will be the backup for the season. It is possible that the Bengals may sign another quarterback depending on who becomes available after roster cuts.

Chase Brown, Cincinnati's fourth-round pick, had an impressive performance in the preseason finale. He rushed for 39 yards on 11 carries and showcased his value on third down with a conversion on a 3rd-and-2 play. Brown expressed his growing comfort in the NFL and highlighted the challenge of hearing the entire play call in the huddle compared to receiving signals from the sidelines.

Chris Evans did not play in the game, suggesting that the Bengals are confident in what he has shown in camp. This gave Brown the opportunity to shine early on.

Tanner Hudson and Raymond Johnson III also made strong impressions in the game. Hudson, who is vying for the Bengals' No. 3 tight end spot, was the team's most targeted player and caught four passes for 42 yards. Taylor praised Hudson for his reliability and versatility. Johnson, despite facing a tough competition on the defensive line, stood out with his performance in the game. It remains to be seen if there is a path for Johnson to make the team, but he has certainly made it a difficult decision for Taylor and Tobin.

Overall, the Bengals' preseason finale provided valuable insights into the team's roster battles and showcased the potential of several players. With the final roster cuts approaching, all eyes will be on the decisions made by Tobin and Taylor as they shape the Bengals' roster for the upcoming season.