Now is a critical stretch for Cincinnati Bengals players on the roster bubble before final cuts.
The Bengals have one preseason game down and two to go, plus plenty of training camp practice work. Those cut candidates who didn’t move the needle for themselves in the first game still have a shot.
An updated list of fringe Bengals final roster players includes names at heated spots like safety, running back and (of course in Cincinnati) wideout.
Updated notable Bengals cut candidates
S Daijahn Anthony
The Bengals didn’t get bumps from names like Daijahn Anthony last year, to the point the struggling Geno Stone couldn’t even come off the field. Anthony had serious problems in the first preseason game, missing multiple tackles in standard defense and a big miss on a special teams return. Veteran Kyle Dugger has a key backup spot and PJ Jules could steal the other.
RB Tahj Brooks
Running back behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine is starting to look like a problem. Tahj Brooks is supposed to be the third guy there. But he had two rough drops in the preseason opener, which is an area they need the third back to be proficient in when called upon.
WR Charlie Jones, Kendric Pryor, Mitch Tinsley
Dohnte Meyers is seriously starting to run away with a roster spot. Rookie Colbie Young, meanwhile, might take the No. 3 spot. They brought on return specialist Ke'Shawn Williams via waivers last year, so that might end Jones’ tenure. Pryor and Tinsley are good players, so if Young keeps ascending, maybe we see a shock cut like Andrei Iosvias to fit them? Hard to say, but they can’t keep more than six.
TE Cam Grandy
Cam Grandy has seen some notable work this summer, which might be by design as they stress test him. There’s only so many spots at tight end with Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and Erick All locking down spots. Tanner Hudson might be a lock too. Rookie Jack Endries caught a touchdown in the opener, so he might knock someone like Grandy off the roster.
DL McKinnley Jackson
McKinnley Jackson had the odd trade request last season and the Bengals responded by revamping the interior with Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen to help out BJ Hill and TJ Slaton. That’s four roster locks, plus Kris Jenkins makes five. Popular rookie Landon Robinson is making a case for six. Jackson hasn’t flashed enough yet to make it otherwise.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 7 Bengals cut candidates who need bounce back preseason showings