The Cincinnati Bengals have officially finalized their 2026 roster, which has sparked discussions about some surprising cuts made by the coaching staff. After a strong preseason, where the Bengals finished with an impressive 3-0 record, the team faced difficult decisions regarding which players to retain. This year’s roster features considerable depth, making it challenging for some talented individuals to secure a spot.
The Bengals maintained all seven of their 2026 draft picks, in addition to five tight ends, six wide receivers, and 11 defensive linemen. Consequently, several noteworthy players were left off the initial 53-man roster, raising questions about their future with the team. Here are some of the standout players who did not make the cut but could be potential candidates for the practice squad.
First on the list is defensive end Isaiah Foskey, whose performance during the preseason was remarkable. The former Notre Dame star recorded 11 pressures and three sacks, including a standout performance in the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he notched 1.5 sacks. Despite his impressive showing, Foskey fell victim to the numbers game, as the Bengals had a wealth of talent vying for edge positions.
Another surprising cut was wide receiver and return specialist Charlie Jones. Known for his contributions on special teams, Jones had a strong preseason finale, returning three punts for 44 yards and catching two passes for 36 yards. However, the Bengals opted to go with Ke’Shawn Williams for the return duties, leading to Jones’ release. His experience and reliability as a returner may make him an appealing option for other teams.
Quarterback Josh Johnson also faced an unexpected release after a stellar preseason. Head coach Zac Taylor praised Johnson’s performance, stating he had a superb preseason. Johnson completed 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards against the Eagles and had already thrown for two touchdowns in a previous game against the Bears. Unfortunately, with Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco securing the top two quarterback spots, Johnson was unable to find a place on the roster.
Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley’s situation is also noteworthy. After making the 53-man roster last season, Tinsley faced stiff competition this year and ultimately did not make the cut. His performance this summer was decent, but he was overshadowed by other emerging talents like Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young.
Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, a former third-round pick, was another casualty of the Bengals’ deep defensive line. Despite flashes of potential in his first two seasons, Jackson was unable to secure a spot due to the overwhelming depth at his position. The Bengals had received trade interest in Jackson prior to his release, indicating that his skills have not gone unnoticed.
Linebacker Shaka Heyward and defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland also found themselves on the chopping block despite strong performances in training camp. Heyward was part of a competitive linebacker group, while Powell-Ryland had shown promise during the preseason but ultimately could not secure a roster spot.
Lastly, safety Daijahn Anthony, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2024, was released as the Bengals opted for a different combination of safeties. Anthony had previously seen meaningful playing time but faced competition from other players who emerged during training camp.
The Bengals’ roster decisions highlight the depth and talent within the organization. While the initial 53-man roster may not be perfect, the team is well-positioned to navigate the waiver wire and potentially bring back some of these players for the practice squad. As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how they can leverage their depth to enhance their performance on the field.
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