Following their preseason tie against the Falcons, the Bengals took the field this week for their final training camp practices. The preseason finale is up next, with cut down day and the regular season soon to follow. Before we move on to the next steps, let’s take a look at what went down during these last practices.
On Sunday, Jake Browning worked with the first team to start, and had a couple of nice completions to Higgins and Chase. However, on another play, his pass intended for Boyd was picked off by Mike Hilton. On Monday, both Siemian and Browning both threw a pick in the redzone drills, as the competition remains tight.
The big thing from Sunday’s practice was the absence of several CB’s. DJ Turner, Sidney Jones, Marvell Tell, and Chidobe Awuzie did not participate, and it forced S Michael Thomas to play CB. He had some nice reps, given that he hasn’t played the position since college. But he also got burned a few times, including one where Siemian found Iosivas deep. Good on the veteran for stepping in when needed.
CB Chidobe Awuzie got a little work in the 7 on 7’s on Sunday, before finally working in the full team drills on Monday. Coming off a torn ACL, his performance in each of these practices was very encouraging.
Also cleared this week was TE Mitchell Wilcox. He was activated off the PUP list. He got some work in the practices on special teams and on offence, and will play in the game on Saturday. With Tanner Hudson’s emergence in the preseason opener, Wilcox might not be a roster lock. But he is liked by the staff.
After missing week 2 of the preseason with an illness, 1st round rookie Myles Murphy was back in action. He is competing for rotational DL snaps.
A highlight from Monday’s practice was a one handed interception by Logan Wilson. He has continued to have a great camp. Jalen Davis also snagged a couple of interceptions, as well as Mike Hilton. On the offensive side, Jake Browning found Tyler Boyd for a TD.
On Wednesday, Awuzie continued to build on what he had done earlier in the week, snagging an interception off Browning in 11 on 11 drills. The pass was intended for Chase.
The reserve defenders also had some flashes, including on a play where DJ Ivey tipped a pass which was then intercepted by Akeem Davis-Gaither.
Despite the QB struggles, the receivers still found ways to make plays. Higgins has been impressive through the air, while Chase’s one handed catch drew some attention.
Tanner Hudson returned to practice on Wednesday, and is expected to suit up in the preseason finale. With Mitchell Wilcox also returning, the TE3 battle will be an interesting one to watch, as things are close to wrapping up.
With all eyes on Browning and Siemian for the backup QB battle, Reid Sinnett has been a forgotten man in the QB room. While he isn’t in the running for the number 2 spot, Zac Taylor said that he will play in the preseason finale. It will be good for him to put some stuff on tape.
As for the RB battle, Trayveon Williams continues to miss time, and will not suit up in the game. The coaching staff has clearly liked him in the past, but with Chris Evans proving himself once again, Williams’ spot may be in jeopardy. Unless the Bengals go with 4 RB’s on the roster, which they did do last year.
The final training camp practice was held in the Bengals indoor facility. Tee Higgins caught 4 TD’s in the 7 on 7 drills, according to Dan Hoard. As well, Chidobe Awuzie continued to look good.
The Bengals will wrap up their preseason in Washington against the Commanders on Saturday.