Full Breakdown
Dohnte Meyers Earns Spot on Cincinnati Bengals 53-Man Roster
8/31/2026, 2:25:16 AM
Core Event: Former CFL Receiver Secures Roster Position
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Dohnte Meyers has been placed on the Cincinnati Bengals’ initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. Multiple reports confirm the decision after the Bengals concluded their preseason with a 30-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Meyers’ performance in three preseason games—including a 51-yard, three-reception effort in the final series—contributed to the roster move, which remains subject to the usual final-day adjustments.
Background & Context
Meyers entered professional football as a Division II standout at Delta State before being overlooked in the 2023 NFL Draft. He worked as a DoorDash delivery driver and paid $100 to attend an open tryout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, eventually earning a roster spot in the CFL. Over two seasons with the Roughriders, he recorded 24 receptions for 349 yards as a rookie, then exploded in his second year with 65 catches for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns, earning West Division All-Star honors and helping the team win the 112th Grey Cup. After a brief 2023 tryout with the Atlanta Falcons that did not result in a contract, Meyers signed a reserve/future deal with the Bengals in January 2026.
Data & Statistics
- Preseason (2026) – 11 receptions, 121 receiving yards; 2 rushes for 22 yards; 99 punt/kick return yards.
- Final preseason game vs. Eagles – 3 receptions for 51 yards on the first offensive series.
- CFL 2025 season – 65 receptions, 1,056 yards, 8 touchdowns; West Division All-Star; Grey Cup champion.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Zac Taylor highlighted Meyers’ consistency and the “big role” the player could fill on offense and special teams. Wide receivers coach Troy Walters described the roster decision as “bittersweet,” praising Meyers’ work ethic and noting that his performance earned him the spot. Analyst Paul Dehner Jr. confirmed the initial wide-receiver group, listing Meyers alongside Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young, and Ke’Shawn Williams (KR/PR). Dehner noted that Meyers’ return-ability provides insurance if the primary return specialist is injured.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's going to capitalize on every rep he gets or doesn't get,” — Zac Taylor, head coach
- “Today's kind of a bittersweet day, man,” — Troy Walters, wide receivers coach
- “Your hard work, everything paid off, man,” — Troy Walters, wide receivers coach
- “Yessir! Yessir, coach! 'Preciate it! 'Preciate it!” — Dohnte Meyers
- “You deserve it, man, you worked your butt off," Walters said.” — Troy Walters, wide receivers coach
- “ "That's the kind of guy that he is," Burrow continued.” — Joe Burrow
What’s Next
The Bengals open the 2026 regular season on Sunday, September 13, hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Meyers is expected to compete for targets in the passing game and contribute on punt and kick returns throughout the season.
