The Final Countdown: Who Survives the Bengals’ Roster Cuts?
The atmosphere surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals is electric as the team approaches the most stressful weekend of the year for any NFL player: the cut to the 53-man roster. After a dominant 30-13 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bengals have found themselves in a “luxury problem”—they have too much talent and too few spots.
While superstars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are locks, the real drama unfolds at the bottom of the depth chart, where players are fighting for every single snap to prove their worth.
Landon Robinson: The Preseason Powerhouse
If there is one name that has caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, it is Landon Robinson. The defensive tackle has been an absolute force throughout the preseason. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Gridiron Grades, Robinson has been among the elite, leading the NFL in preseason sacks with four and recording a staggering 10 pressures.
Robinson’s ability to disrupt the pocket and collapse the line makes him a prime candidate for a roster spot. In a defensive room that is already crowded with talent, Robinson has made it nearly impossible for the coaching staff to let him go.
The Quarterback Room: More Than Just Burrow
While Joe Burrow remains the undisputed leader, the battle for the backup role has been surprisingly fierce. Veteran Josh Johnson has been playing at an incredibly high level, boasting a 90.6 preseason passer rating. Head coach Zac Taylor has praised the “nails” (toughness) of his backups, but Johnson’s performance is so strong that there are concerns he might be claimed on waivers if the Bengals decide to risk putting him on the practice squad.
Offensive Breakouts and “Grey Areas”
The Bengals’ offense showed incredible depth in the finale, leaving the coaching staff with several “shades of gray” regarding who to keep:
- The Running Backs: Rookie Jamal Haynes stole the show with a breathtaking 39-yard touchdown run, showcasing patience and agility reminiscent of Le’Veon Bell.
- The Wide Receivers: Ke’Shawn Williams and Charlie Jones provided explosive plays, proving that the Bengals have weapons beyond the primary stars.
- The O-Line: Javon Foster and Jacob Bayer delivered top-tier grades, ensuring the Bengals have the versatility needed to protect their franchise QB.
The Hardest Decisions: Tight Ends and Secondary
Perhaps the toughest cuts will come from the Tight End and Defensive Back rooms. With players like Bralyn Lux showing versatility in the slot and Josh Newton delivering top-rated defensive snaps, the Bengals are facing a dilemma: do they keep the raw talent for the practice squad or reward the consistent preseason performers with a final roster spot?
Final Thoughts: A Deep and Dangerous Squad
The 2026 preseason has proven that the Cincinnati Bengals are building a roster with immense depth. Whether it is the dominant pass rush of Landon Robinson or the emerging speed of Jamal Haynes, the team is well-positioned for a deep run in the NFL regular season.
As the Sunday deadline looms, the Bengals must balance potential, veteran stability, and special teams value to finalize a 53-man squad capable of championship contention.
