Full Breakdown
Bengals-Bears Preseason Clash Highlights Roster Battles
8/23/2026, 2:01:01 AM
Core Event: Joint Practice Leads to a Starter-Free Preseason Game
The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears held a joint practice on Thursday before meeting for a second-week preseason game at Paycor Stadium on Saturday night. Both head coaches—Zac Taylor (Bengals) and Ben Johnson (Bears)—confirmed that their regular starters will sit, turning the contest into a showcase for players competing for spots on the 53-man rosters.
Background & Context
The practice gave each team a chance to test depth against an unfamiliar opponent. Cincinnati’s offseason acquisition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was a focal point, while Chicago’s offense continued to adjust under second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The meeting comes as both clubs approach the roster-cut deadline, intensifying pressure on fringe players.
Key Position Battles
- Dohnte Meyers, Colbie Young, and Charlie Jones vie for the sixth wide-receiver slot.
- Jalen Rivers seeks a larger role at left tackle.
- Tahj Brooks receives a longer look at running back.
- Russ Yeast and Ja’Sir Taylor battle for safety depth; DJ Ivey competes for the third cornerback spot.
Chicago
- Kaden Davis and Salvon Ahmed aim to solidify WR-6 and RB-3 positions.
- Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet contest left tackle; Jedrick Wills and Kiran Amegadjie rotate at right tackle.
- Jack Sanborn, Oren Burks, and Shayze Bozeman fight for linebacker depth behind starters Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
Data & Statistics
- In the joint practice, Lawrence recorded an interception after tipping a screen pass, followed by a sack.
- Dohnte Meyers posted a single catch for eight yards on three targets in the Bengals’ opening preseason game.
- Williams logged a 48-yard kick return and a 25-yard return in the practice; Charlie Jones handled a 48-yard return in the Bengals’ opener.
Official Statements & Responses
Zac Taylor announced the Bengals’ starters will sit for Saturday, emphasizing the game as a “final competitive action” for depth players. Both coaches framed the contest as a critical evaluation period rather than a win-or-lose scenario.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were talking on the sideline before that period,” — Myles Murphy, Bengals defensive end
- “I don't care what we do, We just better protect Joe," Chase said.” — Marr Chase, Bengals wide receiver
- “This guy, he’s like a surgeon back there, from my perspective at least,” — Ben Johnson, Bears head coach
- “It's definitely a test for us,” — Shawn Williams, Bears analyst
On-the-Ground Reports
The joint practice highlighted the Bengals’ defensive line dominance. Defensive lineman Myles Murphy noted the team’s early-game adjustments, stating, “We were talking on the sideline before that period.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most outlets agree both teams will sit their starters, the exact composition of the backup lineups remains unclear. Some reports suggest the Bears may still field a few starters on offense; others indicate a fully backup-only roster. No definitive depth chart has been released.
What’s Next
Both clubs will shift focus to their regular-season openers in September, using insights from this preseason contest to finalize depth charts and special-teams assignments. The upcoming roster-cut deadline will determine which of the highlighted players secure spots on the 53-man rosters.
