The Cincinnati Bengals finalized their initial 53-man roster on August 30 as they attempt to make it back to the playoffs for the first time in three years. For those following Ohio online sports betting, Cincinnati will start the season as a 3.5-point favorite against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
Bengals Make Multiple Roster Moves
Cincinnati trimmed a long list of names to reach the 53-man limit. On the offensive side, the Bengals released running backs Gary Brightwell, Kentrel Bullock, Jamal Haynes and Kendall Milton, along with wide receivers Xavier Johnson, Charlie Jones, Jordan Moore, Kendric Pryor, Noah Thomas and Mitch Tinsley. Tight ends Cam Grandy and Josh Kattus were also let go.
Along the offensive line, the Bengals waived Liam Brown, Andrew Coker, Christian Jones and Corey Robinson. On defense, Cincinnati parted ways with defensive backs Daijahn Anthony, Jalen Kimber, Bralyn Lux, Matthew McDoom, Ceyair Wright and Russ Yeast, linebackers Liam Anderson, Jack Dingle, Joe Giles-Harris, Eric Gentry and Shaka Heyward, and defensive linemen Howard Cross III, Isaiah Foskey, McKinnley Jackson, Jordan Jefferson and Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
At quarterback, the Bengals released Josh Johnson and waived Sean Clifford, leaving Joe Flacco as the only backup behind Joe Burrow on the active roster.
Bengals Add 16 Players to Practice Squad
Cincinnati filled out its 16-man practice squad over the following two days. The team first signed 11 players who spent camp with the club: running backs Kentrel Bullock and Kendall Milton, quarterback Sean Clifford, defensive linemen Howard Cross III and Isaiah Foskey, linebackers Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward, cornerback Bralyn Lux, wide receivers Jordan Moore and Noah Thomas, and safety Russ Yeast.
The Bengals then rounded out the group with five more additions: quarterback Josh Johnson, tight end Tanner Hudson, cornerback Trikweze Bridges, offensive tackle Blake Freeland and defensive end Garmon Randolph. Bridges, Freeland and Randolph all arrive from outside the organization, giving Cincinnati some fresh depth to pull from during the season.
Bengals Place Players on Reserved List
Cincinnati used both of its injured reserve return spots on cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor and offensive lineman Brian Parker. Both players are eligible to return after Cincinnati's first four games, giving the Bengals a chance to get them back on the field by early October if their recoveries stay on track.
Bengals Week 1 Opponent
Cincinnati opens the season at home against Tampa Bay, and oddsmakers on the major Ohio sports betting apps like the Bengals to get the job done. Cincinnati is a 3.5-point favorite over the Buccaneers, according to DraftKings. With Joe Burrow back at full strength and throwing to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals have a great shot of winning their opener.
History actually gives Cincinnati a reason for concern in the opener. The Bengals are just 4-6 in their last 10 Week 1 games and 2-3 in their last five season openers. Even with that shaky track record, a healthy Burrow and a Bengals defense that added pieces this offseason have Cincinnati positioned as the favorite to start the 2026 season on the right foot.
