The Cincinnati Bengals have spent the week in Chicago as they prepare for a preseason matchup with the Bears on Saturday. After a intersquad practice with the Bears this week, the Bengals are not expected to play majority of their starters. As the CB battle continues, expect to see Dax Hill and DJ Turner to get some snaps.
Key Players for Today’s Matchup
The Bears, however, will be playing their starters, including rookie QB Caleb Williams. Williams is coming off quite the debut, slinging the rock left and right, topped off by a sick screen pass as he was being sacked that went for 42 yards. As for the Bengals, expect to see QB Logan Woodside to play majority of the game as Jake Browning is still dealing with a rib injury. Rocky Lombardi could make an appearance during the 4th quarter as well. As far as other offensive positions go, look out for #62 C Matt Lee and #81 WR Jermaine Burton to get significant time with the 2’s as the rookies had a stellar debut last Saturday. Defensively, S Daijahn Anthony and MLB Maema Njongmeta are two key players that are trying to make their case for the opening 53-man roster. Njongmeta had a breakout game vs the Buccaneers and has had a stellar camp. Daijahn Anthony is also making a case for the backup safety role. Safe to say, the Bengals hit on some UDFA’s and their 7th round picks this year.
Injury and New Pant Updates!
Other news to surface from Bengals camp this week include some key injuries and the unveiling of an all orange uniform set. RB Chris Evans and OT D’Ante Smith are both out for the year after they both tore their patellar tendon during Thursday’s practice, per ESPN. This leaves some spots for the offensive line position for guys like Jackson Carman and Cody Ford. Trent Brown is also out with back tightness but the injury isn’t considered to be serious. Basically, the OT depth is weak and some guys are going to need to step up and show out.
The Bengals also revealed that they will be wearing their orange jersey’s matched with orange pants for the first time in franchise history. This will take place during the opener against the Patriots as they “Open in orange,” a new tradition for the franchise.
That’s all for this week’s preseason preview. Check back for reactions and the post-game breakdown when the game ends. Enjoy the game and the rest of the summer season, real football is right around the corner!
