The Cincinnati Bengals face a tougher final cut than in recent years, with more rookies in prominent roles and veterans battling for 53-man spots. Depth battles span the defensive line, safety corps, and wide receivers, while new coaches add to the complexity of decisions ahead of the roster deadline.

Key bubble players highlighted include McKinnley Jackson, Daijahn Anthony, and Isaiah Williams, each facing pressure to secure a spot or risk waivers. The safety group is still unsettled behind Geno Stone and Jordan Battle, with Tycen Anderson and PJ Jules in the mix. The WR room remains competitive behind Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, and Jermaine Burton, potentially pushing Williams to the waiver wire.

Mitchell Tinsley is emerging as a near-lock on Cincinnati's final 53-man roster, a surprising feat for an undrafted rookie on a depth chart led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. His absence from the last preseason game and strong summer signals trust from the coaches and a real path to a fantasy-relevant role behind the big-name trio.

With Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones pushing for snaps, Tinsley’s poised roster spot could quietly elevate Bengals’ depth at receiver, offering late-round fantasy upside in deeper leagues if he cements a consistent role as a Week 1 contributor.

Cincinnati opened preseason on a high note, riding Joe Burrow’s efficiency and a flourishing connection with Charlie Jones as Cincinnati rolled to a 31-17 win over Washington. Burrow steered three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards, including a 4-yard TD to Jones on his final throw. Chase Brown capped a 58-yard opening march with a 1-yard TD on fourth-and-goal. The Bengals used starters more, scoring TDs on four of five Burrow-led drives across two exhibition games, signaling a sharp start to the regular season grind for fantasy rosters.

Washington’s lone Daniels appearance flashed athleticism without passing, as the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year scampered for a 14-yard TD late in the first half while the Commanders protected him behind a thinned OL and wet field. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stood out as a training-camp darling with a 27-yard TD run late in the second quarter, and Chris Rodriguez piled up 62 rushing yards to boost his rotation odds. Washington leaned on its run game and chipped-in field goals, underscoring backfield uncertainty and potential late-round upside for fantasy drafters.

Notes stacked on both sides: Cincinnati’s Myles Murphy remains sidelined, Trey Hendrickson sat out, and the depth chart keeps shifting behind Burrow’s likely Week 1 workload. Washington cut into its own plans, with McLaurin absent amid a contract dispute and young backs like Croskey-Merritt showing promise. Mitchell Tinsley snagged two late first-half TDs for Cincinnati off Jake Browning’s throws, a reminder of how the depth chart can surprise in fantasy leagues. Up next, Cincinnati welcomes Indianapolis, while Washington closes its preseason against Baltimore.

The Cincinnati Bengals have recently turned heads with the emergence of Isaiah Williams, a waiver wire claim from last November who was initially brought in as a special teams returner. With injuries to Charlie Jones, Williams is stepping up in OTAs and showcasing his potential as a slot receiver behind the established duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Williams, 24, is competing for a roster spot against strong contenders like Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones, but his progress has caught the attention of analysts and fans alike.

His performance could not only secure a significant role on the team but also impact the Bengals' offensive strategy moving forward. If Williams can translate his offseason momentum into regular-season play, he could become a vital asset in a high-powered Bengals offense looking to make another deep playoff run.