Stay or Go

[Exile]

Who's making the 53-man roster?

QB: Joe Burrow and Ryan Finley (probably not Jake Dolegala or Brandon Allen)
RB: Mixon, Gio (and another two out of Samaje Perine, Trayveon Williams, and Jacques Patrick
WR: AJ, Boyd, Higgins, Ross, Tate, Erickson, Mike Thomas, Stanley Morgan, DeMarkus Lodge, Trenton Irwin, Scotty Washington
Do they keep 7? Then it's probably all of the first seven.
TE: Uzomah, Sample, Cethan Carter, Mason Schreck, Jordan Franks, Mitchell Wilcox (Uzomah and Sample are locks--how many of the rest do they keep?)
O-line: Williams, Jordan, Hopkins, Su'a-Filo, and Hart seem like the starters. Then probably 4 more guys out of these 5: Hakeem Adeniji, O'Shea Dugas, Fred Johnson, Josh Knipfel, Frederick Mauigoa, Billy Price, and Alex Redmond. I think Price and Redmond make it. Johnson and Adeniji are both versatile and have had good camps, so there's probably your four right there.
D-line: Carlos, Geno, Reader, Hubbard, and Lawson are locks. Mike Daniels, Khalid Kareem, and Andrew Brown seem likely to make the team. Do they keep more than that out of Akinmoladun, Bledsoe, Dishon, Futrell, McKenzie, and Sterk? Beats me.
LB: Pratt, Wilson, and Bynes seem like locks; Davis-Gaither and Markus Bailey seem likely as well. If they only keep 6 it's either Jordan Evans (who has been injured) or Austin Calitro. Sheldon and Spears out.
CB: Jackson, Phillips, Alexander, and Sims are probably the top four (besides Waynes, who could return at some point). Who get kept out of Tony Brown, Torry McTyler, Greg Mabin, and Winston Rose?
S: Bates and Bell start. Probably keep two out of Shawn Williams, Brandon Wilson, and Trayvon Henderson. Henderson could be practice squad material, but then Williams could be out with his injury for a while.
Specialists: Huber, Bullock, and Harris.

Thoughts?

[Exile]

Well, I see in the other thread that Dugas got cut, so I'll say those other four are safe. Sheldon is, in fact, out, as is Sterk.

[Jmble]

Here's a projection with summary from Jay Morrison of The Athletic

OFFENSE (25)
Quarterback (2)

• Starter: Joe Burrow
• Reserve: Ryan Finley
• Outside looking in: Jake Dolegala, Brandon Allen

Explanation: The Bengals had plans to start Burrow before they even drafted him and he’s only cemented their belief that he is the future of the franchise. The expected competition for the backup job between Finley and Dolegala never materialized. That was due more to Dolegala’s shortcomings than Finley establishing himself. The Bengals carried Dolegala on the 53 for the entire 2019 season so as not to expose him to waivers. It’s doubtful another team will claim Dolegala — a move that would require said team to put him on its 53 — and even if one does, the Bengals will have Allen, whom they signed off the street right before camp, as insurance on their practice squad.

Running back (4)

• Starter: Joe Mixon
• Reserves: Giovani Bernard, Samaje Perine, Trayveon Williams
• Outside looking in: Jacques Patrick

Explanation: Even with Mixon inked to an extension and the threat of a holdout disguised as an injury no longer an issue, look for the Bengals to add Perine to the group of three that made the 53 last year. Not only does Perine offer a larger and more physical presence than Bernard and Williams, he was also a solid contributor on special teams in his short stint with the team last year. The Dolphins plucked Perine from the Cincinnati practice squad last December, but the Bengals were quick to bring him back with a waiver claim after Miami cut him in April. Patrick has been impressive, but he doesn’t offer near the special teams value as Williams and Perine. The former XFL standout should be a lock for the practice squad.

Wide receiver (7)

• Starters: A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, Mike Thomas
• Reserves: Tee Higgins, John Ross, Auden Tate, Alex Erickson
• Outside looking in: Stanley Morgan, DaMarkus Lodge, Trenton Irwin, Scotty Washington

Explanation: For the fifth consecutive year Erickson felt like a bubble pick when camp began, but he’s been outstanding every time his number has been called, making the top seven in this group feel like locks. And furthering Erickson’s value is an increased role for Darius Phillips at cornerback, which should limit how often the team opts to use him as a punt returner, which has been Erickson’s main contribution the past few years. The biggest question is whether Higgins, who has been hampered by a hamstring injury, can get healthy enough to unseat Thomas as the starter in Week 1. Don’t be surprised if Morgan, Lodge, Irwin and Washington all end up on the expanded practice squad, but it’s more likely that the four of them are fighting for three spots.

Tight ends (3)

• Starter: Drew Sample
• Reserves: C.J. Uzomah, Cethan Carter
• Outside looking in: Mason Schreck, Jordan Franks, Mitchell Wilcox

Explanation: Sample was one of the most improved players in camp and should be the Week 1 starter against the Chargers, but Uzomah also has played well and should get his share of targets. Carter has unreliable hands but is arguably the best special teams player whom coach Darrin Simmons has, so his position is safe. Mason Schreck has the potential to be Tyler Eifert Light and might be the best bet to be claimed by another team. But keeping four tight ends just doesn’t make sense for a team that ran 11 personnel a league-high 76 percent of the time last year.

Offensive line (9)

• Starters: Jonah Williams, Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, Xavier Su’a-Filo, Bobby Hart
• Reserves: Fred Johnson, Billy Price, Hakeem Adeniji, Alex Redmond
• Outside looking in: O’Shea Dugas, Frederick Mauigoa, Josh Knipfel

Explanation: The starting five seemingly was locked in as soon as practice began this summer, and the position versatility of Johnson, Price and the rookie Adeniji have their spots secure. The last spot comes down to Redmond and Dugas, and even though Redmond has missed most of camp, he has 23 games under his belt and line coach Jim Turner in his corner.

DEFENSE (25)
Defensive line (8)

• Starters: Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, D.J. Reader, Sam Hubbard
• Reserves: Carl Lawson, Mike Daniels, Khalid Kareem, Andrew Brown
• Outside looking in: Freedom Akinmoladun, Amani Bledsoe, Bryce Sterk, Kendall Futrell, Trey Dishon, Kahlil McKenzie

Explanation: One year after keeping 11 defensive linemen, the Bengals will go light with eight, all of whom feel like slam dunks. Andrew Brown is the one most on the bubble, but he has looked great in camp and has more upside than any of the seven I’m cutting here.

Linebacker (6)

• Starters: Germaine Pratt, Logan Wilson
• Reserves: Josh Bynes, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Markus Bailey, Austin Calitro
• Outside looking in: Jordan Evans, Brady Sheldon, Marcel Spears Jr.

Explanation: Calitro was my 53rd man in this exercise. I believe he makes it because he’s already been claimed on waivers twice in the last year, once by the Jaguars and once by the Bengals, so there’s strong reason to believe he would not make it through waivers if the team tried to get him onto the practice squad. There is a chance the Bengals could keep Evans as the sixth linebacker instead and then place him on injured reserve, as he hasn’t practiced in two weeks. But Calitro has been heavily involved in special teams in camp and is the bigger risk to be claimed. Evans has more experience, which can’t be overlooked in a linebacker room this young. But my gut says Calitro is the one who sticks.

Cornerbacks (7)

• Starters: William Jackson, Darius Phillips, Mackensie Alexander
• Reserves: LeShaun Sims, Tony Brown, Torry McTyer
• Injured: Trae Waynes
• Outside looking in: Greg Mabin, Winston Rose

Explanation: As mentioned earlier, Waynes will go on injured reserve on Sunday. The Bengals need to carry him on the initial 53 in order for him to be eligible to return at some point this season. The only question here was the final spot among McTyer, Mabin and Rose, and McTyer has had more quality reps in camp. He also has a history with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo dating back to their Dolphins days. Rose was an interesting prospect out of the CFL, but he still has work to do to catch on at this level.

Safeties (4)

• Starters: Jessie Bates, Vonn Bell
• Reserves: Shawn Williams, Brandon Wilson
• Outside looking in: Trayvon Henderson

Explanation: The only question here is Williams’ health with the calf injury he suffered three weeks ago. If the team feels he’ll be good to go for the opener, Henderson will be on the practice squad again. But if there is a question about Williams’ availability, he could be headed to IR with an eye on the minimum three-week stay. Henderson has been working with the first group on all special teams units. He was close to making the 53 two years ago before suffering a knee injury while making an interception in the fourth preseason game. If Williams isn’t 100 percent, the Bengals won’t hesitate to shelve him for three weeks and promote Henderson.

Special Teams (3)

• Starters: Punter Kevin Huber, kicker Randy Bullock, long snapper Clark Harris
• Outside looking in: Long snapper Dan Godsil
• Explanation: There is none needed. Godsil was simply COVID insurance for Harris because it’s such a specialized position.

Practice Squad (16)

Brandon Allen, Freedom Akinmoladun, Amani Bledsoe, Jake Dolegala, O’Shea Dugas, Jordan Evans, Trenton Irwin, Josh Knipfel, Kahlil MacKenzie, Stanley Morgan, Jacques Patrick, Winston Rose, Mason Schreck, Brady Sheldon, Trayvon Henderson, Scotty Washington

[TheBurn]

I'm thinking they keep 3-RB (Mix, Gio, TW) and 3-TE (Drew, CJ, Carter) and then 8-WR to add Morgan to your 7

[Exile]

Here's a projection with summary from Jay Morrison of The Athletic

OFFENSE (25)
Tight ends (3)

• Starter: Drew Sample
• Reserves: C.J. Uzomah, Cethan Carter
• Outside looking in: Mason Schreck, Jordan Franks, Mitchell Wilcox

Explanation: Sample was one of the most improved players in camp and should be the Week 1 starter against the Chargers, but Uzomah also has played well and should get his share of targets. Carter has unreliable hands but is arguably the best special teams player whom coach Darrin Simmons has, so his position is safe. Mason Schreck has the potential to be Tyler Eifert Light and might be the best bet to be claimed by another team. But keeping four tight ends just doesn’t make sense for a team that ran 11 personnel a league-high 76 percent of the time last year.

Interesting take, that Sample has overtaken Uzomah. I'd expect that they'll both be getting reps, but I would have thought that his experience would have kept CJ as the starter.

[Jmble]

Here's a projection with summary from Jay Morrison of The Athletic

OFFENSE (25)
Tight ends (3)

• Starter: Drew Sample
• Reserves: C.J. Uzomah, Cethan Carter
• Outside looking in: Mason Schreck, Jordan Franks, Mitchell Wilcox

Explanation: Sample was one of the most improved players in camp and should be the Week 1 starter against the Chargers, but Uzomah also has played well and should get his share of targets. Carter has unreliable hands but is arguably the best special teams player whom coach Darrin Simmons has, so his position is safe. Mason Schreck has the potential to be Tyler Eifert Light and might be the best bet to be claimed by another team. But keeping four tight ends just doesn’t make sense for a team that ran 11 personnel a league-high 76 percent of the time last year.

Interesting take, that Sample has overtaken Uzomah. I'd expect that they'll both be getting reps, but I would have thought that his experience would have kept CJ as the starter.

My guess is that Sample plays most of the snaps because of his blocking ability more than his receiving. Between the receivers and Mixon this team has enough targets that they can afford to use the guy who will do more to help the offensive line. I'm sure CJ will get plenty of reps.

[skycruiser]

DT has quickly become a problem...

[Bengals1]

DT has quickly become a problem...

You're alive!

You haven't posted in so long and you know how I worry....

[skycruiser]

Yeah man I have been off Twitter and Facebook for the last month. Haven’t looked at any bengals news until I saw something about the cuts. I’ll be back active as the season starts!

[Joe Bananas]

I'm not overly enthused with our TEs. Maybe it's just me. Yes we have Joe B, but we also have Finley....that's it. LB core is very young and looks weak as well.