{
  "id": 4535219,
  "title": "The best Bengals players who didn’t make 53-man roster and could be practice squad candidates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/the-best-bengals-players-who-didnt-make-53-man-roster-and-could-be",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T00:45:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/best-bengals-players-didn-t-004508492.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. Isaiah Foskey, defensive end: A standout preseason performer for the Bengals, Foskey recorded 11 pressures and three sacks. Despite his impressive play, he was cut from the 53-man roster due to depth concerns. His strong performance may make him an appealing option on the waiver wire.\n\n2. Charlie Jones, wide receiver and return specialist: Jones, known for his strong preseason play, including three punt returns for 44 yards against the Rams, was cut from the roster due to competition from Ke'Shawn Williams. Despite his contributions as a special teams player and reliable receiver, the Bengals opted to allocate the roster spot to another player.\n\n3. Josh Johnson, quarterback: Johnson received high praise from head coach Zac Taylor during the preseason, with the coach noting that Johnson could have played even better. However, with Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco already established as the starting quarterbacks, Cincinnati deemed a third quarterback position unnecessary on the roster. Johnson was released as a vested veteran, opening the door for him to sign with another team and potentially return to Cincinnati.\n\n4. Mitchell Tinsley, wide receiver: Tinsley's preseason performance had initially led to his inclusion in the 53-man roster in 2025. However, competition from players like Chase, Higgins, Iosivas, Colbie Young, and Jonathan Meyers led to his eventual release. Tinsley could still be re-signed by Cincinnati if he clears waivers, but other teams may have taken notice of his impressive preseason play.\n\n5. McKinnley Jackson, defensive tackle: A former third-round pick, Jackson showcased flashes of potential during his first two seasons. However, the Bengals assembled a depth chart along the defensive line that made his release difficult to accept. Cincinnati bolstered the position with signings like Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, and retained other defensive tackles like B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton. Jackson now has the opportunity to secure a new contract with another team.\n\n6. Shaka Heyward, linebacker: Heyward's preseason performance, which demonstrated his potential as a reliable linebacker, didn't quite secure him a spot on the 53-man roster. Alongside other defensive players, Heyward's departure allows Cincinnati to focus on players who better fit the team's needs.",
  "summary": "The Bengals made some tough decisions, with many good players now becoming available on waivers.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Cincinnati Bengals 53-man roster: Here's who made the team",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/cincinnati-bengals-53-man-roster-heres-who-made-the-team",
        "published": "2026-08-30T22:38:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}