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.

Cincinnati searches for safety depth as final cuts loom, eyeing Shilo Sanders after a TB cut, while Geno Stone and Jordan Battle were kept last year but haven’t solidified the room. Kyle Dugger is floated as a pricier option for a Patriots trade, but any deal could be steep in draft assets and cap. Daijahn Anthony exited preseason hurt; Tycen Anderson and PJ Jules aren’t guaranteed a spot if a better player surfaces. The next 48 hours could bring waiver, free-agent, or trade intrigue that reshapes the Bengals’ backups and fantasy upside.

Former NFL executive Andrew Brandt has lauded the Houston Texans for their trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, acquiring running back Joe Mixon for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This strategic move comes after Mixon's impressive performance this season, where he amassed over 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

The Bengals are expected to benefit from the transaction as they clear significant cap space, totaling $5.8 million, and pave the way for Chase Brown to step up in his second season. Brown had a strong rookie campaign, contributing almost 1,400 total yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Cincinnati Bengals are actively seeking a new defensive coordinator after parting ways with Lou Anarumo. Safety Daijahn Anthony hinted that a decision regarding Anarumo's successor might already be in place, stating in a TikTok live session, "Yes bro, it's gonna shock a lot of y'all." He expressed excitement about the potential change, indicating it would mark a new journey for the team.

Although the Bengals have yet to officially announce the new hire, Anthony revealed that the decision could have been made earlier on Thursday. His comments come after the team interviewed several candidates for the position earlier this week. The Bengals’ coaching staff is under scrutiny as they aim to improve their defense ahead of the upcoming season.

Khalil Mack, linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, will miss the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a groin injury sustained earlier this month. This marks the first game he has missed since joining the Chargers in 2022.

In Mack's absence, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree are expected to step up, as the Chargers' defense has been performing well with 18 sacks in their last three games.