The Bengals set their 53-man roster in stone on Tuesday. This is yet another sign that the season opener is approaching, and football is almost back. While there were some pleasant surprises with players at the back end of the 53, there were no earth-shattering decisions made for the 2024 Bengals team.
After the last round of cuts at the end of last week, on Tuesday Cincinnati parted ways with two players with prior game experience: offensive lineman Trey Hill and wide receiver Shedrick Jackson. The Bengals drafted Hill in the sixth round in 2021 and he appeared in 24 games with three starts. Jackson appeared in 5 games last year but failed to log a catch. With as much talent as the Bengals have both on the offensive line and at receiver, it’s safe to say that these cuts didn’t come as a surprise to too many. But it was the players who did make the team that made Tuesday’s announcement so pleasant.
Maema Njongmeta
Rookie linebacker Maema Njongmeta made the roster after signing with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in May. He had a solid career at the University of Wisconsin, but it was his play in the preseason that really set him apart. He tallied 29 tackles (13 solo) and two passes defensed. His motor on the field was evident every snap he was in the game. While he may not make a huge impact this year, he deserves his roster spot and it is a great success story.
Matt Lee
Matt Lee is another low-round pick that had a great preseason. He was the Bengals’ seventh-round pick but blocked like a man drafted on the first day. Lee did not allow a quarterback pressure in 68 pass blocking snaps. Having that kind of depth on the offensive line will be a luxury for a team with such a precious commodity as Joe Burrow under center.
The Roster Overall
Overall, the Bengals are carrying two quarterbacks, six wide receivers, five tight ends (including rookie Eric All, who could have an impact this year), three running backs, nine offensive lineman, ten defensive lineman, five linebackers, and ten in the secondary. The high number of tight ends is a bit surprising. However, they have so much athleticism and flexibility at the position. It’s therefore likely that all of those they have on the roster will see at least some game action this season.
Other roster moves included the addition of defensive end Myles Murphy and punter Brad Robbins to the injured list. Murphy is dealing with a sprained knee and Robbins left practice a few weeks ago with a leg injury. Both players will be out, pursuant to NFL rules, for at least the first four weeks of the season.
Chase Will Play In Week 1
In non-roster news, Zac Taylor made it official today that Ja’Marr Chase is expected to play in week one against the Patriots. While this seemed like the clear end result of his contract saga, it’s probably fair that a good portion of the Bengals fanbase is breathing a little easier with official word and confirmation from Taylor. Now, the roster is set. The stars are going to play. And on September 8th the quest to the playoffs and the Super Bowl can officially begin.
Cover photo credit to the Bengals on X.
