Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
With Joe Burrow and the Bengals starters finished for the preseason, Cincinnati's final two exhibition games will be about players fighting for jobs.
Head coach Zac Taylor announced earlier in the week that the starters won't play again this preseason following Thursday's joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
That puts the focus on roster battles ahead of the NFL's Aug. 30 cutdown deadline.
Here are three things Local 12 sports anchor Yanni Tragellis is watching when the Bengals face the Bears Saturday night:
1. Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers
Cincinnati has a crowded wide receiver room, making every remaining opportunity important for Young and Meyers.
Both have flashed during training camp and made plays when given opportunities.
Young has an opportunity to continue establishing himself in the offense, while Meyers has emerged as one of the more intriguing players fighting for a roster spot.
With the starters sitting, both receivers should see significantly more playing time against Chicago. A strong performance could help either climb the depth chart heading into the final week of the preseason.
2. Cody Ford vs. Jalen Rivers at tackle
The offensive tackle competition will also be worth watching.
Ford returned to Cincinnati in part because of his versatility and ability to serve as a swing tackle and play multiple positions along the offensive line.
But Ford has struggled at times during training camp, including Thursday's joint practice against Chicago.
That could create an opportunity for Rivers, who has taken snaps at left tackle during camp.
Saturday gives Ford an opportunity to rebuild some trust while Rivers tries to make his own case for a larger role.
3. Who provides linebacker depth?
The Bengals made significant changes to their defense during the offseason but largely stood pat at linebacker, showing confidence in young starters Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
The bigger question is what Cincinnati has behind them.
Oren Burks provides veteran experience, while Swayze Bozeman received extensive second-team work in the preseason opener and has made plays throughout camp.
Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward are also competing for opportunities.
With Knight and Carter established atop the depth chart, Saturday could provide Cincinnati's best look yet at which linebackers can be trusted to provide depth during the regular season.
The Bengals and Bears kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday.
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WKRC on Facebook: facebook.com/WKRCTV
WKRC on Twitter: twitter.com/Local12
WKRC on Instagram: instagram.com/local12wkrc/?hl=en
WKRC on TikTok: tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?lang=en
Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC673WfesrYoCgG9VsekGlEQ/?sub_confirmation=1
For more information, visit local12.com
Download the WKRC News app: local12.com/station/news-app
Download the WKRC Weather app: local12.com/weather/weather-app
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: local12@local12.com
Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872
WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
With Joe Burrow and the Bengals starters finished for the preseason, Cincinnati's final two exhibition games will be about players fighting for jobs.
Head coach Zac Taylor announced earlier in the week that the starters won't play again this preseason following Thursday's joint practice with the Chicago Bears.
That puts the focus on roster battles ahead of the NFL's Aug. 30 cutdown deadline.
Here are three things Local 12 sports anchor Yanni Tragellis is watching when the Bengals face the Bears Saturday night:
1. Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers
Cincinnati has a crowded wide receiver room, making every remaining opportunity important for Young and Meyers.
Both have flashed during training camp and made plays when given opportunities.
Young has an opportunity to continue establishing himself in the offense, while Meyers has emerged as one of the more intriguing players fighting for a roster spot.
With the starters sitting, both receivers should see significantly more playing time against Chicago. A strong performance could help either climb the depth chart heading into the final week of the preseason.
2. Cody Ford vs. Jalen Rivers at tackle
The offensive tackle competition will also be worth watching.
Ford returned to Cincinnati in part because of his versatility and ability to serve as a swing tackle and play multiple positions along the offensive line.
But Ford has struggled at times during training camp, including Thursday's joint practice against Chicago.
That could create an opportunity for Rivers, who has taken snaps at left tackle during camp.
Saturday gives Ford an opportunity to rebuild some trust while Rivers tries to make his own case for a larger role.
3. Who provides linebacker depth?
The Bengals made significant changes to their defense during the offseason but largely stood pat at linebacker, showing confidence in young starters Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
The bigger question is what Cincinnati has behind them.
Oren Burks provides veteran experience, while Swayze Bozeman received extensive second-team work in the preseason opener and has made plays throughout camp.
Joe Giles-Harris and Shaka Heyward are also competing for opportunities.
With Knight and Carter established atop the depth chart, Saturday could provide Cincinnati's best look yet at which linebackers can be trusted to provide depth during the regular season.
The Bengals and Bears kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday.
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WKRC on Facebook: facebook.com/WKRCTV
WKRC on Twitter: twitter.com/Local12
WKRC on Instagram: instagram.com/local12wkrc/?hl=en
WKRC on TikTok: tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?lang=en
Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC673WfesrYoCgG9VsekGlEQ/?sub_confirmation=1
For more information, visit local12.com
Download the WKRC News app: local12.com/station/news-app
Download the WKRC Weather app: local12.com/weather/weather-app
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: local12@local12.com
Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872
WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
