W2L4: Led By Desmond Ridder, PJ Jules, Preseason Finale Gives Backend Roster Hopefuls Final Chance to Make The Right Impression

Colts (0-2 Preseason) at Bengals (1-1 Preseason), Sat. Aug. 23 at Paycor Stadium (Field Turf), 1 p.m. ET, TV: Bengals Preseason Network FOX-19 (Cincinnati) Mike Watts, Anthony Munoz, Marissa Contipelli, Radio: Dan Hoard, Dave Lapham. WEBN-FM (102.7 FM), ESPN1530

CINCINNATI — This is the last chance for many players to make an impression that will last with the coaching staff and front office that face the cutdown deadline on Tuesday.

For Zac Taylor and his staff, Taylor is going to get a final look at the likes of safety PJ Jules, long snapper William Wagner, corner Bralyn Lux, receiver Isaiah Williams, tight end Cam Grandy, running back Gary Brightwell and Kendall Milton and of course quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Payton Thorne.

The biggest competition might be at linebacker among Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris and Maema Njongmeta for the fifth linebacker spot. Usually, a tell in the final preseason game is the amount of playing time is inversely proportional to the chances of making the roster.

“We’re still working through it,” Taylor said. “We’ve got guys who are competing for a lot of the jobs there and I’m excited to see how that shakes out over the next couple of weeks.”

None of the projected starters are expected to play Saturday, including most of the rookies like Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter. Knight is dealing with a lingering “lower extremity” issue and dressed but didn’t practice Thursday in the final practice of camp. One player who might get some run Saturday is fifth rounder Jalen Rivers at right guard.

But if the Bengals feel he’s too valuable to risk losing as a backup at right guard, then he’ll sit as well.

“I thought there were some good things and there were things we need to continue to improve as the game went on. I love his mindset, I love his attention to detail,” Taylor said of Rivers. “He’s got all the traits and mindset that we’re looking for. I think that he’s getting more and more comfortable in that role as he’s played more guard for us.”

Cincinnati is coming off a 31-17 victory at Washington on Monday night, in an effort which featured contributions from all three phases. Offensively, starting QB Joe Burrow played the first three series and led two TD drives, finishing off his night with a seeing-eye TD pass to WR Charlie Jones early in the second quarter. The standout performer for the Bengals, however, was second-year WR Mitchell Tinsley.

A former Commander who signed a Reserve/Future contract with Cincinnati this past February, Tinsley logged five catches for 73 yards and
two TDs — all in the second quarter. Both of his scoring grabs were highlight-reel plays, continuing a trend of contested catches that have been a regular sight through three weeks of training camp practices.

“That guy has been making plays all camp,” said Burrow. “I’ve been really happy for him. Hopefully, he’s secured a spot for us. He’s a guy that you can really count on, I think. He’s a smart guy. He knows all the positions. You have a guy that you can trust like that — that’s very valuable.”

Here’s what to look for:

When the Bengals have the ball:

Desmond Ridder/Payton Thorne:
Ridder completed his own attempt for seven yards Monday night. He was 7-for-16 for 91 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia. Taylor indicated that Ridder would get the majority of snaps Saturday. Payton Thorne hasn’t taken a snap in the first two preseason games but that will change this Saturday for the product out of Auburn.

Receiving corps:
Look for a lot of Isaiah Williams, Kendric Pryor, Cole Burgess, Jamoi Mayes and Jordan Moore. If Jermaine Burton has a roster spot secured, it’s not likely he sees the field, especially coming off swelling in his knee.

Interior offensive line:
Again, second and third-teammers will see the field.

When the Commanders have the ball:

Defensive line: This might be a time for Howard Cross III to lock up the fifth and final interior defensive line spot. If not, he could make an impression to lock up a spot on the practice spot. But Cross is a favorite at this point to make the 53-man roster.

Linebackers: If Joe Giles-Harris doesn’t play in this game, you can pencil him in as the fifth and final linebacker spot, joining Logan Wilson, Demetrius Knight Jr., Barrett Carter and Oren Burks.

Cal Adomitis vs. William Wagner: Both got looks in the preseason opener. If Wagner is on the field for most of it, you know that Adomitis is the guy for the season. Wagner can make his statement for a practice squad spot.

Bottom Line:

Lou Anarumo returns to Cincinnati for the first time since being fired as defensive coordinator and assuming the same role with the Colts. This is hardly a grudge match as Anarumo will be playing his backups against Cincinnati’s backups. Desmond Ridder has the chance to shine for the final time in preseason and has a chance to solidify a potential practice squad spot, assuming another team doesn’t scoop him up. These are always the games for third stringers to make a name. Watch for names like Gary Brightwell and Isaiah Williams. Bengals in search of their first winning preseason of the Zac Taylor era and their first since 2018.

Bengals 27, Colts 19