Cincinnati Bengals news

Bengals Blow Late Lead, Fall 30-27 to Steelers on Special-Teams, Turnover Mistakes

Cincinnati led in the fourth quarter before a roughing-the-punter penalty, a muffed punt and a game-ending strip-sack of Joe Burrow handed the AFC North road game to Pittsburgh.

Special-teams and turnover discipline after a self-inflicted AFC North loss

Bengals frame Pittsburgh trip as first true road test of unbeaten start

The 2-0 Bengals travel to Pittsburgh for their first AFC North divisional game of the season, with local coverage framing it as Cincinnati's first legitimate road test of the year.

Unbeaten Bengals frame the Steelers trip as their first true road and divisional test of the season.

Bengals' retooled defense has 'lived up to the hype' through two weeks

Cincinnati has allowed just 16.5 points a game behind an offseason defensive overhaul, a big reason for its 2-0 start heading into Pittsburgh.

Bengals to use receivers 'by committee' after Iosivas thumb surgery

Cincinnati will be without depth receiver Andrei Iosivas for at least a month as it opens division play at Pittsburgh unbeaten.

League-best defense fuels Bengals' bid for a 3-0 start at Pittsburgh.

Chase Brown, Bengals eye 3-0 start in 'dogfight' at Pittsburgh

Cincinnati (2-0, AFC North lead) visits Pittsburgh (1-1) in a matchup Brown calls a defining early test after the Bengals' defense-driven win over Houston.

Ja'Marr Chase fined by NFL for touchdown celebration, says he wants to appeal

Chase was fined for a wrestling-themed touchdown celebration against Houston; he said on the record that he intends to appeal.

Bengals eye a 3-0 start and real division separation at Pittsburgh.

Chase's TD-celebration fine and planned appeal.

Bengals Lose WR Andrei Iosivas to IR After Thumb Surgery

Cincinnati's No. 3 receiver, Andrei Iosivas, will miss at least four games after surgery for a torn thumb ligament suffered in the Week 2 win over Houston, pushing rookie Colbie Young and more two-tight-end sets into larger roles for the 2-0 Bengals.

Zac Taylor: Bengals' 2-0 Start Encouraging But 'Not a Finished Product'

Head coach Zac Taylor flagged pre-snap penalties and miscommunication as issues to clean up as Cincinnati, one of four unbeaten AFC teams, heads into a divisional game at Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati's receiver depth is tested by Iosivas' injury.

Taylor wants cleaner execution as the Bengals chase a 3-0 start at Pittsburgh.

Zac Taylor "encouraged" by Bengals' 2-0 start ahead of first AFC North test at Pittsburgh

Cincinnati beat Houston 20-6; Joe Burrow went 20-of-31 for 207 yards and 2 TDs, both to Ja'Marr Chase. Bengals sit alone atop the AFC North and open division play at Pittsburgh. Taylor: "We're not a finished product... Pittsburgh is all we're focused on. It's always a really grimy game."

Cincinnati opens AFC North play at Pittsburgh looking to stay unbeaten atop the division.

Zac Taylor: Bengals 2-0 but "not a finished product" heading to Pittsburgh

Cincinnati's defense and special teams drove Sunday's 20-6 win at Houston. Joe Burrow, playing through back tightness, called his own game "incredibly average" despite two TD passes to Ja'Marr Chase; the Bengals now travel to Pittsburgh for their first AFC North game of the season.

Bengals carry the AFC North's only 2-0 record into the division opener at Pittsburgh.

Bengals defense smothers Texans, Burrow-Chase connect twice in 20-6 road win

Cincinnati is 2-0 for the first time in years behind a defense-first effort; Houston went 0-for-4 on fourth down and was held without a touchdown. Joe Burrow threw for 207 yards and two scores, both to Ja'Marr Chase.

Bengals' defense-first identity is carrying a 2-0 start — worth tracking as competition stiffens.

Ja'Marr Chase downplays frustration over quiet 2-catch opener, preps for Stingley reunion

Chase says his knee 'feels great' after a quiet 2-catch Week 1; both Burrow and Taylor have committed to getting him more involved as Cincinnati travels to face former LSU teammate CB Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans.

Joe Burrow limited in practice with back tightness, insists he'll play at Houston

Burrow did not take full practice reps citing back tightness that began after Sunday's game, but said it won't limit his mobility; Taylor called Houston's defense 'elite talent across the board.'

Evan McPherson named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after franchise-record kicking night

McPherson scored 15 of Cincinnati's 33 points in Week 1, hitting 4-for-4 field goals including a 55- and a 58-yarder — the first Bengal with multiple 55+ yard field goals in one game — moving to 5th on the franchise's career list.

Burrow's back tightness is worth tracking through the week ahead of a tough Houston defense.

Getting Chase more involved is the offense's stated priority heading into Week 2.

Joe Burrow limited in practice with back tightness, vows to play vs. Texans

Burrow got mental reps only Wednesday but says he intends to play; Cincinnati also wants to get WR Ja'Marr Chase more involved after just two touches in the opener.

Joe Burrow's back tightness is a watch item heading into a tough Houston defense.

Bengals want to get Ja'Marr Chase more involved after a quiet opener.

Bengals' rebuilt defense forces four turnovers in 33-27 win over Buccaneers

LB Demetrius Knight Jr. returned a fumble for a TD; K Evan McPherson hit field goals from 55 and 58 yards; Burrow threw for 254 yards and a score.

Zac Taylor's film review: clean pocket for Burrow, but neutral-zone penalties must be fixed

Reviewing Cincinnati's Week 1 win over Tampa Bay, coach Zac Taylor praised the offensive line for protecting Joe Burrow (25-of-35, 254 yards) and said he isn't worried about Burrow's pick-six, while flagging four neutral-zone-infraction penalties as a discipline problem heading into a Week 2 trip to Houston.

Zac Taylor wants the penalty discipline fixed before a Week 2 trip to Houston.

Rookie linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. are already drawing praise for fast reads.

Bengals' retooled defense forces four turnovers in 33-27 win over Buccaneers

Cincinnati's offseason defensive investment (Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen) paid off immediately as a fumble-return touchdown from Demetrius Knight Jr. helped seal a season-opening win.

Cincinnati's retooled defensive front faces its next test after forcing four Week 1 turnovers.

Joe Burrow's nine-receiver spread offense is a thread worth tracking as the passing game finds its rhythm.

Joe Burrow says he's 'more excited this year than I've been in a long time'

Burrow says his legs are healthy again after last year's toe injury ahead of Sunday's opener vs. Tampa Bay; he praised Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins' readiness.

Bengals' 53-man roster emphasizes O-line depth, physical run game

Cincinnati kept 10 offensive linemen and claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers; Chase (knee) and Higgins (heel) are both expected ready for Week 1 despite missing camp reps.

Will Cincinnati's revamped D-line finally deliver the pass rush Burrow says it's built for?

Do Chase and Higgins both go full speed vs. Tampa Bay after camp injuries?

Does rookie WR Dohnte Meyers turn camp buzz into real Week 1 targets?

Zac Taylor wants Bengals judged by what happens on the field, not September history

Taylor pushed back on Cincinnati's history of slow starts and praised new defensive additions Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen ahead of Sunday's opener vs. Tampa Bay.

Cincinnati Magazine: Bengals open season against old division rival Baker Mayfield

A season-opening column frames Sunday's Tampa Bay game around Baker Mayfield's history as a 'Bengals killer' from his Browns days, previewing the new Al Golden-led defense's first real test.

Bengals DE Shemar Stewart returns to practice after scary knee injury

Stewart, who hyperextended his knee on Day 1 of camp and feared his season was over, is back at practice, though a Week 1 return remains a long shot.

Ja'Marr Chase's and Tee Higgins' practice limitations (knee/heel) heading into the opener.

Whether the retooled defensive line changes Cincinnati's September pattern.

Shemar Stewart's timeline back from his camp knee injury.

Bengals prep for Sunday's opener vs. Buccaneers; Taylor says team is "ready to go"

Cincinnati hosts Tampa Bay in a nationally-watched opener; new defensive additions Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook have already taken vocal leadership roles per coach Zac Taylor.

Chase, Higgins limited in practice; Shemar Stewart not on IR as he eyes return

WR Ja'Marr Chase (knee) and WR Tee Higgins (heel) were both limited Wednesday; DE Shemar Stewart was kept off IR, leaving open a Week 2-3 return rather than a mandatory four-game absence.

Bengals fill 16-man practice squad, bring back Hudson and Johnson

Cincinnati signed five players to the practice squad including TE Tanner Hudson and QB Josh Johnson after claiming OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia.

Zac Taylor's rebuilt defense faces its first real test at home against Tampa Bay.

Shemar Stewart's return timeline (Week 2-3, not IR) is the pass-rush question to watch.

Zac Taylor downplays 'slow starts' narrative, praises new-look defense ahead of Bucs opener

Taylor pointed to newcomers Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen as early defensive leaders as Cincinnati hosts Tampa Bay in its 'Orange Out' opener.

Slow-start history looms again; new defensive faces (Lawrence, Cook) are the test case vs. Tampa Bay.

Chase, Higgins return to practice ahead of opener

Both starting WRs were full participants days before the Sept. 13 home opener; HC Zac Taylor said both would be ready.

Zac Taylor confronts Bengals' slow-start narrative, names captains

Taylor addressed Cincinnati's history of slow Septembers ahead of hosting Tampa Bay; seven captains chosen by teammate vote, including newcomer Bryan Cook.

Bengals' 2026 cap sheet: Burrow, Higgins, Chase top the payroll

Cincinnati carries $306.7M in cap allocations (13th in NFL) with 28 players earning $2M or more.

Bengal Jim's "Before the Roar" -- inside the city's biggest tailgate

Jimmie Foster's 33-year-old tailgate now draws 2,500-5,000 fans to Smale Park and has raised nearly $1M for local charities since 2019.

Chase and Higgins trending toward full Week 1 availability

Slow-start narrative under scrutiny with new defensive additions in the fold

Zac Taylor wants to stop talking about Bengals' slow starts and start playing

Players voted seven captains, with Taylor singling out newcomers Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen for defensive leadership ahead of Sunday's 'Orange Out' opener vs. Tampa Bay.

Chase, Higgins trending toward Week 1 as Bengals await first injury report

Taylor said 'all three looked good' ahead of Wednesday's first Week 1 injury report, with Ja'Marr Chase (knee) and Tee Higgins (heel) both working through minor camp issues.

Chase/Higgins health check ahead of Wednesday's first official injury report.

New defensive captains (Lawrence, Cook, Mafe, Allen) signal a leadership shift up front.

Bengals believe they're 'much more advanced' heading into Week 1

Cincinnati treated its final camp week as a 'dress rehearsal.' DE Shemar Stewart (hyperextended knee) returned to practice and was not placed on IR; a return by Week 2 or 3 is considered realistic.

Bengals' roster set: Chase, Higgins limited in practice but expected for Week 1

Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) did not participate in the open portion of practice, but HC Zac Taylor said he 'feels very good' about both for Week 1. Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia.

Taylor: defensive line depth is Bengals' biggest year-over-year upgrade

Taylor named the defensive line (11 kept) as the clearest improvement heading into 2026; the swing-tackle competition between Javon Foster and Jalen Rivers remains open.

Cincinnati Magazine: Year 7 of the Burrow-Taylor era arrives at a 'crossroads'

A local columnist frames 2026 as pivotal for the Burrow/Taylor partnership, noting Cincinnati's first unbeaten preseason of Taylor's tenure and the league's easiest schedule by one measure, while flagging September as historically a weak stretch for this coaching staff.

Chase/Higgins injury clouds linger but Taylor voices Week 1 confidence.

Swing-tackle job between Foster and Rivers still undecided.

Chase, Higgins held out of Bengals practice as team manages injuries before opener

Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) both sat out portions of practice this week; Zac Taylor says he feels good about both being ready for the Sept. 13 opener.

Bengals bulk up O-line depth, lean on rookies as 53-man roster takes shape

Cincinnati kept 10 offensive linemen and claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers; WR Dohnte Meyers made the roster as a camp surprise, and several rookies are ticketed for early roles.

Cincinnati Magazine: Bengals enter Week 1 with rare 'good vibes' after unbeaten preseason

Bengals finished the preseason unbeaten for the first time under Zac Taylor, with new DT Dexter Lawrence transforming a defense that struggled the past two seasons.

Chase and Higgins managed through minor ailments as Bengals aim for both ready Week 1.

Rookie class poised for real early roles as O-line depth is rebuilt.

Bengals enter Week 1 unbeaten in preseason for the first time under Zac Taylor.

Chase, Higgins held out of practice; Taylor expects both for Week 1

Bengals WRs Ja'Marr Chase (hyperextended knee) and Tee Higgins (heel contusion) both missed reporter-viewable practice reps days before the Sept. 13 opener at Tampa Bay, though HC Zac Taylor said he feels good about both being ready.

Bengals lean on rookies, add O-line depth via waiver claim

Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia, kept undrafted WR Dohnte Meyers as a camp surprise, and is leaning on rookies including TE Jack Endries for a more physical run-game identity.

Whether Chase and Higgins are full-go for the Tampa Bay opener is the top camp-ending storyline.

A retooled, more physical O-line room signals a run-game emphasis shift under Taylor.

Bengals fill practice squad to 16, bring back Tanner Hudson and Josh Johnson

Cincinnati re-signed TE Tanner Hudson and 14th-year QB Josh Johnson among five practice-squad additions Sept. 1, after releasing Hudson from the 53 to open a spot for waiver claim OT Myles Hinton (from Philadelphia).

Practice-squad TE depth restocked around Hudson after his 53-man release for a waiver claim.

Bengals reach 53-man roster limit: Charlie Jones, McKinnley Jackson, Daijahn Anthony among cuts

Cincinnati waived 30 players and released four vested veterans (HB Gary Brightwell, LB Joe Giles-Harris, QB Josh Johnson, S Russ Yeast) while placing two players on Reserve/Injured.

Bengals release Tanner Hudson, claim Myles Hinton off waivers

Cincinnati claimed OT Myles Hinton off waivers from Philadelphia and released TE Tanner Hudson (77 catches over three Bengals seasons), now carrying 10 offensive linemen.

Bengals enter the 2026 season after trading for DT Dexter Lawrence and retooling the D-line

Cincinnati Magazine's season preview covers the trade of the 10th overall pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence, plus edge additions Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell.

Bengals trim to 53, waive WR Charlie Jones, DT McKinnley Jackson

Cincinnati placed G Brian Parker II and CB Ja'Sir Taylor on IR with return designations, terminated four vested veterans' contracts, and will announce a practice squad Monday.

Ja'Marr Chase hyperextends knee, says he's OK

Chase hurt his left knee on the second play of an 11-on-11 period late in camp; Tee Higgins stopped practicing after seeing the injury, but Chase is expected to be fine.

Bengals' final roster battles: swing tackle, WR numbers, D-line depth

Cincinnati released OT Cody Ford leaving the swing-tackle job open, while a deep receiver room and a strong camp from rookie DL Landon Robinson could push the Bengals to keep 11 D-linemen.

Bengals finish a perfect 3-0 preseason, beating Eagles 30-13

Cincinnati closed the preseason undefeated; rookie CB Tacario Davis returned a 15-yard pick-six and RB Kentrel Bullock led all rushers with 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries as the Bengals turn to Sunday's 53-man cutdown.

Bengals complete perfect 3-0 preseason, beat Eagles 30-13

Cincinnati built a 9-0 lead on three McPherson field goals, including a 58-yarder, before Philadelphia rallied to 16-13 in the third quarter. Sean Clifford (5-of-9, 53 yards, TD) and Josh Johnson (12-of-19, 156 yards) split QB duties; RBs Kentrel Bullock and Jamal Haynes combined for 163 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Rookie safety Tacario Davis had a tipped-ball interception.

Ja'Marr Chase avoids serious injury after left-knee scare at camp

Chase hyperextended his left knee on a route during 11-on-11 work; he will not play in Friday's finale vs. Philadelphia. Tee Higgins stopped practicing to check on his close friend after the play.

Bengals' roster bubble shifts: Dohnte Meyers emerging at WR, safety and swing-tackle battles tighten

Meyers has taken first-team reps and is viewed as having nearly locked a spot, partly for return value, which could push Charlie Jones to the roster's edge; Russ Yeast and P.J. Jules compete at safety, and Jalen Rivers/Javon Foster get another look at swing tackle after Cody Ford's release.

Bengals' roster-bubble battles intensify as Rivers, Newton, Robinson make late cases

Cincinnati released veteran OL Cody Ford, opening a swing-tackle competition between Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster; CB Josh Newton has intercepted a pass in three straight practices; rookie DT Landon Robinson had 1.5 sacks vs. Chicago.

40-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson leads Bengals to rare second preseason win

Johnson went 15-of-23 for 156 yards and 2 TDs in a 27-9 win over Chicago with Burrow and Flacco resting; it's Cincinnati's first multi-win preseason since 2019.

Bengals cut OL Cody Ford as roster-bubble battles intensify

Cincinnati released veteran lineman Cody Ford Monday after two holding penalties and two false starts vs. Chicago, opening a swing-tackle competition between Jalen Rivers and Javon Foster. CB Josh Newton has an interception in three straight practices; WR Dohnte Meyers worked with the first-team offense and is considered close to a roster lock.

Journeyman Josh Johnson leads Bengals to 27-9 win over Bears, first 2-0 preseason under Zac Taylor

40-year-old Josh Johnson threw two TDs with Burrow, Flacco and Cincinnati's starters held out entirely; rookie WR Noah Thomas also caught a TD.

With Bengals starters done for preseason, roster battles at WR, tackle and linebacker take center stage

Zac Taylor confirmed starters won't play again this preseason; WR (Colbie Young, Dohnte Meyers), swing tackle (Cody Ford vs. Jalen Rivers) and depth linebacker jobs remain open ahead of the Aug. 30 cutdown.

Ja'Marr Chase delivers blunt message to Bengals' offensive line: protect Joe Burrow

Following a scuffle at a Bengals-Bears joint practice, Chase made clear that protecting Burrow is the line's top priority this season, after Burrow took 17 sacks in 8 games in an injury-shortened 2025. The starting O-line is largely unchanged from last year.

Bengals O-line protection of Burrow is the season's defining storyline

Bengals' defense rebounds in biggest camp test vs. Bears; Burrow: 'now or never'

Cincinnati's defense forced two Caleb Williams turnovers in Thursday's joint practice; Burrow completed his first six targets including a red-zone TD to Tee Higgins ahead of Saturday's game and the Sept. 13 opener at Tampa Bay.

Bengals defense stands out in joint practice with Bears; Burrow to sit Saturday

Dexter Lawrence had an interception among several defensive plays in Thursday's joint session; Joe Burrow praised the defense but said the offense needs more consistency. HC Zac Taylor confirmed Burrow and other starters will not play in Saturday's preseason game vs. Chicago.

Bengals offense struggles in sloppy Day 13 practice ahead of joint session with Bears

Drops by Tee Higgins and Samaje Perine and red-zone stalls marked an uneven day for Cincinnati's offense; HC Zac Taylor flagged four-minute-offense execution as a weak spot ahead of Saturday's game vs. Chicago.

Bengals Defense Delivers in Preseason Opener; Long-Shot Receiver Dohnte Meyers Makes His Case

Cincinnati's remade defense produced a takeaway and quick stops in the team's preseason-opening win over Detroit, an early sign the offseason defensive investment is paying off, while depth wideout Dohnte Meyers pushed his roster case in one of the team's most competitive position battles heading toward Week 2 of the preseason. Bengals starting defense played Detroit's first two possessions, producing a Jordan Battle interception on the opening series and forcing a three-and-out on the second. Joe Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards but was sacked on the opening possession and took a hard hit on a third-down throw on the second drive. Former CFL receiver Dohnte Meyers caught three passes and added a 13-yard run in a deep Bengals receiver room competing for roster spots.

Bengals rookie CB Ceyair Wright leaves the team for an acting role

Cincinnati announced Saturday that Wright had left to pursue other opportunities and placed him on the Exempt/Left Squad list, signing rookie CB Matthew McDoom in a subsequent move. Reporting indicates a lead film role running through late October. Wright is not giving up on playing in the NFL.

Bengals Defense Delivers in Preseason Opener; Long-Shot Receiver Dohnte Meyers Makes His Case

Bengals rookie CB Ceyair Wright leaves the team for an acting role

Bengals defense forces early turnover in 16-14 preseason win over Lions

Cincinnati's starting defense played Detroit's first two possessions; safety Jordan Battle intercepted a pass on the opening series and the unit forced a three-and-out on the second. Joe Burrow went 5-of-6 for 39 yards before giving way to backups.

Long-shot receiver Dohnte Meyers makes his case in Bengals' crowded WR room

The former CFL receiver caught three passes and added a 13-yard run for a first down in the preseason opener, pressing for a spot in a receiver room stacked behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The revamped defense's early form

Roster battles in a crowded receiver room