Saturday's stage in Chicago belonged to the 30ish players who will provide depth for the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals. Only one non-specialist starter stepped onto the watery grass at Soldier Field, and we don't even know if DJ Turner II or Dax Hill will be that starter yet.
The final score was ugly with the Bears going through their entire roster while the Bengals' starters rested, but if you wanted to see rookies shine, this was a good week for your viewing.
Here are five Bengals who improved their stock following the team's second preseason game.
LB Maema Njongmeta
There's no denying how natural Njongmeta looks at playing linebacker. His feel for playing downhill and clicking and closing towards the ballcarrier is a joy to watch for any football fan. He entered the game on the third drive and made an instant impact with a tackle for loss, which kickstarted him leading the defense in tackles for the second straight week. Any 53-man roster projection that doesn't include him at this point is asking to be wrong.
C Matt Lee
Witnessing clear advancement up the depth chart is so satisfying when it surrounds a player like Lee. He started training camp as the third-string center, but after playing the entire game Saturday, he looks locked in as Ted Karras' backup. He put together a very clean outing against all of the Bears' defensive line units, showcasing both explosion to get out in space, and core strength to absorb power. Simply put, he has the goods.
LT Jaxson Kirkland
Speaking of depth chart changes, Kirkland was the beneficiary following Jackson Carman's poor outing last week. Kirkland, who’s been the second-string left guard throughout camp, started the game at left tackle and played considerably well for it being his first time at the position in a real game. Showcasing useful positional flex bodes well for him making the roster.
DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
Cincinnati's defense was a lot more stout this week compared to last partly because the defensive tackle play was much better. That includes the Bengals' second-round pick who got his first sack off a crafty spin move in second quarter. Jenkins' importance has only grown this month with injuries piling up along the defensive line. Saturday proved he's capable of shouldering the responsibility.
ED Cedric Johnson
While he didn't get Caleb Williams on the ground before the first overall pick scored his first preseason touchdown, Johnson provided pressure a handful of times Saturday and even made his presence known on punt coverage. He's been a spark-plug off the edge and looks primed to secure the last spot at the position.
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