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[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals vs. Vikings: Matchups to watch

The Cincinnati Bengals are 2-0 to start the season for the first time in the Zac Taylor era, but not all is sunshine and rainbows, because the team lost superstar quarterback Joe Burrow to what could be a season-ending turf-toe injury. There’s no time to panic in the NFL, though, and Jake Browning once again steps in as the field general for the Bengals.

After a close win over the Jaguars at home, the Bengals go back on the road, this time to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Vikings. Here are a few matchups that could decide the game.

Jake Browning vs. Carson Wentz​

Neither team has its starting quarterback available to them in Week 3, so this will be a battle of the backups. The Bengals have kept Browning in Cincinnati for five years for a reason. We saw what he could do, not only last week, but in 2023 when he had to finish the season for Burrow after the quarterback was injured in Week 11.

We may be a little further removed from seeing Wentz at his peak, but that doesn’t mean the Wentz from the Eagles isn’t still in there somewhere.

If Browning can take what’s given to him, which should be a lot considering his weapons, and limit the mistakes, he could lead the Bengals to a 3-0 start for the first time since the 2015 season.

Chase Brown vs. Vikings defensive front​

Browning isn’t a rookie, but a running game would make his life a lot easier. In Week 2 the Vikings gave up 218 yards on the ground and the Falcons offense averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Despite the 2-0 record, the Bengals haven’t been able to get the running game off the ground. The Bengals’ offense is going to be different under Browning, and they are likely to lean on Brown more than they would if Burrow were starting. If he can gain four or five yards per carry, it would open up the whole offense.

Chase/Higgins vs. Murphy/Rodgers​

Burrow being out doesn’t mean Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren’t the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. They’ll get open, and Browning is talented enough to find one of them. The offense may look different under Browning, and the run game may be utilized more, but the offense won’t forget about its greatest weapons.

The Vikings have only allowed one passing touchdown this season. They shut the Falcons’ receivers down, only allowing 135 passing yards. They weren’t playing against the Bengals, though. Regardless of the game plan, both Chase and Higgins should be heavily involved on Sunday.

Trey Hendrickson vs. Darrisaw/Skule​

Hendrickson leads the NFL with 14 pressures, per PFF, and the Vikings’ left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, is banged up. He didn’t practice on Thursday and is questionable to play. If Darrisaw isn’t at 100% and starts anyway, or if the Vikings opt to start someone else instead, Hendrickson could be an absolute game wrecker.

Shemar Stewart is going to miss some time, which leaves some questions about who’s going to generate pressure from the opposite edge, but even if it’s nobody, Hendrickson will be in the backfield.

Bengals secondary vs. Jefferson/Hockenson​

Chase and Higgins make up the best wide receiver duo in the NFL, and Chase is the best wide receiver in the league, but Justin Jefferson is right behind him. Along with him is T.J. Hockenson, a downfield threat at the tight end position.

If the Bengals’ pass rush can’t make Wentz uncomfortable in the pocket, the Vikings’ pass-catchers are absolutely capable of getting open, especially if Cam Taylor-Britt misses the game.

Which matchups will you be keeping an eye on?

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-analysis/175284/bengals-vs-vikings-matchups-to-watch

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals break 2 unfortunate records in historic loss to the Vikings

The Cincinnati Bengals entered Week 3 with an opportunity to be undefeated heading into Week 4 for the first time since 2015. Unfortunately, they fumbled that opportunity, and fumbled, and fumbled, and fumbled.

The Bengals set two franchise records in Week 3 against the Vikings in Minnesota, and they weren’t good ones.

First, late in the third quarter, when Carson Wentz and the Vikings offense scored to take a 48-3 lead, the Bengals set a new record for how much they trailed an opponent at any point in franchise history.

Prior to Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, they trailed the Saints by a score of 37 points in 2018.

Browning did lead the Bengals on a touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter, but that was the only time they’d score a touchdown on Sunday, and the last points they’d put on the board.

The final score was 48-10, which set another record for the Bengals. That loss to the Saints in 2018 was by 37 points. The Bengals topped that by one point on Sunday.

The Bengals have a long week to regroup before they face off against the Broncos in Denver on Monday Night in Week 4. Much regrouping is obviously needed.

Bengals down 45 points, would be their worst loss in franchise history by 8 points. 48-3 Vikings with still 17 seconds left in third quarter. On that drive, the defense simply offered no resistance. Bengals lost 51-14 to Saints in 2018.

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 21, 2025

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-history/175435/records-vikings-loss-score

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals Fumble Away Chances at 3-0 Start: OBI’s The Aftermath

To say the Cincinnati Bengals were ran out of Minneapolis Sunday afternoon would be a polite way to put it. Cincinnati committed five turnovers and struggled to get any offensive momentum going, suffering their biggest point-differential loss (38) in team history.

Was this the worst game we’ve ever witnessed? Is this a total anomaly or an early sign of an emerging trend? Should the Bengals be exploring trade scenarios and/or other player additions?

Anthony and John break it all down on this latest episode of “The Aftermath” on The Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast. Join us at 730 p.m. ET on Monday evening for the live show and air your frustrations! If you can’t join us live, get it on your favorite platform afterward!

Our show is brought to you by America’s No. 1 Sportsbook, FanDuel! Go get your bets in ahead of this big Week 3 clash.

We’re also brought to you by FOCO, the Fans Only Company. They have exclusive lines of Bengals merchandise for fans to check out!

Also, be sure to check out our recent catch-up with Bengals great, Sam Hubbard, who joined us a couple of days prior to his stint as Ruler of the Jungle!

Follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals stuff. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and our BLEAV in Cincy podcast channel. And Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...-away-chances-at-3-0-start-obis-the-aftermath

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

5 observations about the Bengals so far

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) have had a very unpredictable start to the 2025 season.

They have a winning record but a -33 point differential.

A team that started with Joe Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is now banking on the defense to keep them in the playoff hunt.

Here are ten things I’ve observed about Cincinnati so far:

There has been an attitude change on defense​

Al Golden has his unit playing with a sense of pride and a bit of feistiness. Sure, they’re still a little leaky. But they make more than their fair share of big plays.

The defense is, shockingly, what kept the Bengals in their first two games and would’ve given them a chance in Week 3, if the wheels didn’t completely fall off for the offense.

This improvement is largely due to younger players stepping into their own. Jordan Battle, Demetrius Knight, and Shemar Stewart have all made big plays to keep the Bengals in games.

Jordan Battle so far this season:

23 total tackles (leads team)
2 INT (tied for NFL lead)

A bright spot to start the year. pic.twitter.com/gAhownxMpn

— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) September 22, 2025

The run blocking just isn’t getting better​

The interior of the o-line has been the weakness the last couple of years, which generally means you won’t have a real run game. The addition of Dalton Risner did not move the needle. And Ted Karras, as lovable as he is, gets beat in ugly fashion on the regular.

#Bengals OL grades,
per PFF

Overall
70.7 Mims
60.2 Risner
52.6 Brown Jr.
50.7 Rivers
47.8 Karras
40.9 Fairchild

Pass blocking
77.5 Risner
74.8 Mims
60.5 Fairchild
52.3 Karras
41.5 Brown Jr.
32.8 Rivers

Run blocking
65.0 Mims
57.5 Brown Jr.
55.9 Rivers
53.6 Risner
45.8… pic.twitter.com/5WynfKkhyg

— LanceMcAlister (@LanceMcAlister) September 22, 2025

Risner wasn’t the answer, and Frank Pollack wasn’t the problem. While the Bengals still lack elite talent on the interior, one can’t help but think a different head coach would be able to get even average production out of that unit at some point in the span of six years.

Bengals Run Block grades from PFF over the years

2020: 65.0 (21st)
2021: 64.1 (20th)
2022: 56.2 (21st)
2023: 55.7 (22nd)
2024: 50.7 (29th)

2025: 37.8 (32nd)

The Bengals are grading 9.9 points lower than the 31st ranked Saints.
The Saints are grading 9.8 points lower than the…

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) September 23, 2025

Joe Burrow was hiding the bigger issues​

Just a week ago, the idea was floating around that the star QB brings sacks upon himself and refuses to play in traditional formations, thus holding Zac Taylor’s offense back.

After playing in the preseason, Burrow didn’t come out lighting it up, though he was playing turnover free football and winning games.

So the idea spread that the offense (and offensive line) could look better under Jake Browning.

Well, the ugly 38 point loss to the Minnesota Vikings hopefully put such delusional thinking to rest. If anything, Burrow deserves even more credit for protecting the ball despite poor interior blocking and no real run game.

We're watching the worst offense in football through 3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/evsyZFTa3I

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) September 22, 2025

Zac is boldly living in the past​

After Burrow was injured because the o-line collapsed yet again, Taylor said something revealing.

Instead of reconsidering his offense’s style of play, Taylor simply reminded reporters that this same offense got to a Super Bowl and two AFC championship games.

Q: “Do you have to organizationally rethink how you protect Joe.”

A: “It’s going to be very attacking of us, our style of play that’s got us to a Super Bowl, AFC Champ, 2 Div. titles. If people want to blame me for putting him in a position, I’m fine taking that.”

Zac Taylor… pic.twitter.com/ooEusXFG5x

— Joey DeBerardino (@JoeyDeBerardino) September 15, 2025

For any other franchise, it would be a ridiculous statement, considering the Bengals haven’t made the playoffs the last two years.

But expectations in Cincinnati aren’t what they are in, say, Philadelphia. Here, the credibility a head coach earns from a Super Bowl appearance can carry him through a few disastrous seasons without consequence.

The rest of the season will be wild​

Let’s not pretend we don’t know who Browning is and that, if given the chance, he could develop into an elite QB.

He’s not terrible. He’s just sloppy with the ball. So from game to game, you don’t know if he’ll have multiple 50 yard touchdown passes or four interceptions. Both extremes are always on the table.

I really don't mind. I want him to throw aggressively. https://t.co/xszjUJlgXd

— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) September 22, 2025

So for now, fans can strap up, hold on, and hope Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins decide it’s their time to carry the team until Burrow comes back.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-analysis/175534/5-observations-bengals-so-far

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Former Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has passed away; team releases statement

Update: The Bengals have now released a statement on the passing of Rudi Johnson.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

---

Shocking and sad news hit the NFL world today.

Rudi Johnson, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals for seven years and the Detroit Lions for one year, has passed away.

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at 45 https://t.co/32U8IKmAuC pic.twitter.com/tluu49YSVW

— TMZ (@TMZ) September 23, 2025

He would have turned 46 years old on October 1st.

The cause of death has yet to be made known. But TMZ added: “we’re told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

Johnson was a fan favorite in Cincinnati, as he played a big role on the Marvin Lewis teams that made the Bengals relevant again.

The running back ran for 4,221 yards across the 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons. He also scored 36 touchdowns in that span.

His passing at such a young age is tragic and troubling. May he rest in peace.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...bengals-running-back-rudi-johnson-passed-away

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Talking Football with Bengal Jim and Friends: Thom Brennaman Joins the Show!

The Bengals took one on the chin in Minnesota this Sunday. Jake Browning couldn’t muster the same magic he conjured back in 2023 against his former team when Cincinnati won a wild game at home, as the Bengals suffered their worst loss (at least in terms of point differential) in team history.

Still, the team is 2-1 and atop the AFC North. While there are tough games ahead, some sort of a pass has to be given in a transitional week with different starting quarterbacks.

Bengal Jim and Friends welcome in a local legend in Thom Brennaman, who gives his thoughts on the Bengals’ 2025 season and the outlook ahead. Can they turn things around under Browning? Was last Sunday just a blip in the radar?

Follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals stuff. And, check out our BLEAV in Cincy podcast channel. Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...jim-and-friends-thom-brennaman-joins-the-show

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Could the 49ers call the Bengals about Trey Hendrickson?

It remains to be seen if this is Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s final season with the team. Hendrickson is playing on a one-year, $30 million deal this season and is an unrestricted free agent.

The chances of this happening are not high, but what if the San Francisco 49ers were to call the Bengals about trading for Hendrickson? There are two reasons why the Bengals wouldn’t do this: One, because they never do things like this. Two, because Hendrickson wouldn’t want to go across the country to San Francisco. At least, I don’t think he would.

Tim Kawakami, a columnist at The San Francisco Standard, explored the idea of the 49ers calling the Bengals about Hendrickson and making a trade for him. The 49ers lost their All-Pro edge rusher, Nick Bosa, to a torn ACL this past Sunday. It’s the same ACL he tore in 2020.

“We’ll look at trades like we always do,” Kyle Shanahan said during his conference call Monday afternoon. “But there’s gotta be trade options that make sense for you and another team. You can’t just do that stuff just to do it.”

The 49ers roster is still a really good roster, even after an offseason where they moved on from some key players from their Super Bowl teams in 2019 and 2023.

But as Kawakami points out, the 49ers from 2019-2023 were ultra-aggressive in building a championship-caliber roster. They traded for All-Pros in Trent Williams (2020) and Christian McCaffrey (2022). This past offseason, they signed multiple of their star players to long-term extensions.

Here is the proposed conditions Kawakami has for a potential Hendrickson trade with the 49ers.

Let’s say that the 49ers offer a trade package involving simple conditions on the picks, such as …

• 2026 first- and third-round picks and a 2027 second-rounder if Hendrickson plays 60% or more of the 49ers’ remaining defensive snaps this season and the 49ers get to the playoffs and he re-signs with the 49ers.

• Which would be lowered to just a first-rounder if Hendrickson plays 60%-plus of the snaps and the 49ers get to the playoffs but Hendrickson doesn’t re-sign with the 49ers.

(A first-round pick for getting to the playoffs but not keeping Hendrickson? Not ideal, but not devastating for the 49ers, knowing they took their best shot this season and would have Bosa coming back.)

• Which would be lowered again to just a second-rounder if Hendrickson doesn’t play 60% of the snaps or the 49ers fail to make the playoffs and Hendrickson doesn’t re-sign.

(It all falls apart and the 49ers give up no more than a second-rounder? That’s not the way they’d want it to work, but that’s not much to risk for the opportunity to go for it this season.)

Potentially getting a first, second, and third-round pick is certainly enticing, especially if the Bengals don’t plan to keep Hendrickson past this season. He’s currently slated to be a free agent next year, though t he franchise tag could be in play.

Would you consider this if you were the Bengals front office?

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/nfl/175700/49ers-bengals-trey-hendrickson-trade

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Rookie Report: Bengals vs. Vikings

Shemar Stewart was inactive due to injury, but all of the Bengals’ other draftees and two UDFAs saw action this weekend. Let’s talk about what we saw from the class of 2025.

Second-round pick Demetrius Knight had an off day at linebacker. He was praised throughout training camp, but struggled in the preseason. Then, once the regular season started, you started to look pretty solid.

Unfortunately, this weekend looked more like preseason. Knight took some bad angles in this one, and it hurt the team in run defense. Knight had six total tackles (three solo and three assists).

After not seeing any action on defense a week ago, fourth-round pick Barrett Carter was back in action at linebacker this week. He came in for the dime package as well as relieving Logan Wilson in pass from time to time. He looked pretty solid, and the defense played well with him out there wearing the green dot. He had one tackle and two assists.

The increased emphasis in the run does not mesh well with Dylan Fairchild’s strength as a pass blocker. This led to some struggles for the third-round guard. He looked passable as a pass blocker but rough as a run blocker.

Jalen Rivers was the opposite. The fifth round pick came in at right guard when Dalton Risner went down, taking 41 percent of the snaps on the day. He looked okay in the run game, but his pass blocking was suspect.

Linebacker and guard are two of the most difficult positions to adjust to in the NFL. All of these guys have talent and potential. They will make their mistakes, but as long as the trend continues to push their performances upward, they will be successful.

Tahj Brooks continues to impress in kick and punt coverage, but this week he saw some action on offense as well. He didn’t fare much better than Chase Brown did. The sixth-round pick picked up 17 yards on five carries.

Howard Cross was active for the first time this week. The UDFA defensive tackle out of Notre Dame played nine snaps and had his first career tackle.

Of course, the star of the UDFA class is long snapper William Wagner, who seems to have stabilized the kick operation, helping kicker Evan McPherson regain his confidence. Wagner’s long and short snaps have been clean all season.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinnati-bengals-analysis/175567/rookie-report-vikings

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Taking a look at the All-22 for the Bengals offensive line vs. Vikings

The offensive line has not been good enough early in the season. The run game is broken. From week to week, it has been a different player or two performing poorly in pass protection.

Orlando Brown Jr. is an example of inconsistent play from the group early in the season. Last week, he posted an 85.9 pass blocking grade per PFF. This week, his pass-blocking grade was 41.5. He looked slow, late off the snap at times, and completely put in a spin cycle that led to a sack.

Orlando Brown Jr. vs. Minnesota pic.twitter.com/0kvzg0oBot

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 22, 2025

The interior offensive line trio of Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, and Dalton Risner played poorly on Sunday. They are not getting any push in the running game. They look lost and confused at times when picking up stunts and blitzes.

Dalton Risner had an overall grade of 60.2 before leaving injured at halftime. He is expected to play this week. Ted Karras graded out with a 47.8. Fairchild came in with an abysmal 40.9 a week after having one of the more impressive performances of the season against Jacksonville.

Bengals interior offensive line vs. Minnesota pic.twitter.com/QowSwHAmRT

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 23, 2025

Amarius Mims had a solid week in comparison to the rest of the offensive line against Minnesota. He graded out with a 70.7 overall. His foot speed is much better than what we are seeing at the opposite tackle spot. He uses his length well in pass protection. At his size, I do wish he would play with more of a mean streak. He should be putting some guys in the dirt, especially as a run blocker.

Amarius Mims vs. Minnesota pic.twitter.com/2toM7udFCM

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 22, 2025

It isn’t fair to put all of the blame on the offensive line for the 48-10 loss on Sunday to the Vikings. When you turn the ball over five times, including three fumbles on consecutive plays, you are not going to win games in the NFL.

However, if the Bengals want to have any shot of beating a tenacious Denver Broncos defense on Monday Night Football, they have to be much better on the offensive line.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...-analysis-offensive-line-vs-minnesota-vikings

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (9/25): Should Cincinnati trade for Giants’ Russell Wilson?

Bengals News​

Bengals might be Russell Wilson’s desperate lifeline after Giants benching

The New York Giants have opted out of the Russell Wilson business after three measly, forgetful games with the one-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback under center. Cincinnati Bengals fans are probably reaching a similar breaking point with incumbent starter Jake Browning, who’s struggled mightily since replacing an injured Joe Burrow.

Two Former Cincinnati Bengals Sign With AFC North Rival Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens signed two former Bengals defensive tackles on Wednesday.

Williams: Dwell in misery of Bengals? Or be pumped about Reds? Such is life in Cincinnati

What the heck’s a Cincinnati sports fan to do?

Nine Former Bengals on List of 128 Nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The NFL announced 128 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

49ers Receive Strong Message Over Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson

The San Francisco 49ers faced a major setback on September 22 when they learned that Nick Bosa tore his ACL and will be out for the season. The news sent shockwaves and many immediately pushed the team to pursue a trade to offset the loss of their star pass rusher.

NFL News​

Finally, some good injury news for 49ers: Brock Purdy on track to return Sunday

Brock Purdy looks to be on good track to return from his toe injury for the 49ers in their next game Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Eagles great Jason Kelce rips NFL’s expanded jersey number rules

Former Philadelphia Eagles great Jason Kelce is not a fan of the jersey numbers that defensive players can now wear.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league could renegotiate media deals as soon as 2026

The NFL could begin renegotiating its media rights deals as soon as 2026, four years ahead of the current agreement’s opt-out clause, Commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC in an exclusive interview.

Tom Brady dismisses conflict of interest concerns, calls critics ‘paranoid and distrustful’

Tom Brady has addressed concerns about his dual roles as a Fox Sports NFL analyst and partial owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, saying only those “paranoid and distrustful” believe there’s a conflict of interest.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) on potentially playing in Week 4 vs. Falcons: ‘It’s up to the doctors’

Jayden Daniels’ absence didn’t hold back the Commanders in Week 3, but his health could prevent him from returning Sunday.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...s-trade-rumors-russell-wilson-new-york-giants

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

3 players who could be key for Bengals vs. Broncos

After a 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Bengals have plenty of players that will need to step up and perform at a high level on Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos this week.

Orlando Brown Jr.​

Orlando Brown Jr. had one of his worst performances as a Bengal last week. He was credited with allowing three pressures on the game. His 41.5 pass blocking grade was 12 points lower than even his own subpar performance against Cleveland in Week 1.

Brown will be tasked with containing the likes of Nik Bonnito and Jonathan Cooper. Those two players have accounted for 33 pressures combined through their first three games this season.

If Brown is unable to keep them from wreaking havoc, the Bengals offense will likely be in for another long night in Denver.

Orlando Brown Jr. vs. Minnesota pic.twitter.com/0kvzg0oBot

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 22, 2025

Tee Higgins​

The Bengals are paying Tee Higgins like a number one receiver. He inked a four-year extension during free agency this year to remain a Cincinnati Bengal.

Schultz: Tee Higgins to sign a 4-year, $115M extension with the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/xzW36yB9GJ

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) March 17, 2025

They are getting nowhere close to number one or high end number two receiver production. Higgins has just 7 receptions, 104 yards, and 1 touchdown this year through three games.

I don’t blame the lack of success solely on Higgins. The performance of the line, the lack of running game success to open things up, and the large amount of turnovers have all contributed to poor overall offensive performances. He has only been targeted 14 times in comparison to 27 targets for Ja’Marr Chase.

With that said, the Bengals need Tee Higgins to start performing this week. Ja’Marr Chase is likely to draw Patrick Surtain for the majority of the game. Higgins will need to take advantage of playing against rookie Jahdae Barron and/or Riley Moss this week.

Higgins was fantastic last season against the Broncos. We may need another performance like that in order to pull out the victory in Denver.

Tee time. pic.twitter.com/dJqemsdvtf

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 23, 2025

Dax Hill​

Dax isn’t on this list because he has been playing bad this season. In fact, he has been one of the few bright spots early on this year. His ability to be moved around to different spots has added a dynamic weapon for Al Golden’s defense.

Dax will need to continue his quality play in coverage, run support, and blitzing off the edge this week. The Bengals defense as a whole will likely need to keep this game close. A timely turnover or sack from Hill could end up being the difference in the game if it is.

Dax Hill vs. Jaguars pic.twitter.com/UcGKcsySvt

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) September 16, 2025

Who do you think has to step it up this week for the Bengals? Sound off in the comments below.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...-broncos-matchups-key-players-nfl-week-4-2025

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

3 QBs the Bengals should consider until Joe Burrow is healthy

The Cincinnati Bengals had a rough start without Joe Burrow last weekend, getting blown out in a 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in one of their ugliest defeats in recent memory.

Cincinnati struggled all day offensively, recording five turnovers while totaling just 171 yards on the day. Quarterback Jake Browning had two interceptions, while running back Samaje Perine, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and tight end Noah Fant each had a fumble.

Browning’s performance was especially uninspiring, which was disappointing, given how he performed back in 2023 when Burrow was hurt, going 4-3 as the starter.

He is expected to start again this weekend when the Bengals take on the Denver Broncos, which will be another difficult challenge.

Cincinnati is still 2-1 and can very well salvage its season and remain competitive with the hope of a Burrow return later in the season. But they may need to make a quarterback change in order to do so if Browning continues to struggle.

Who are three quarterbacks the Bengals could target, either in free agency or via trade?

Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo​

The free agent market is very bleak at the moment. That means a trade would be necessary for the Bengals if they want a competitive option.

Insert Jimmy Garoppolo, who has years of experience as a starter and would likely welcome the opportunity to do so.

The backup to Matthew Stafford since 2024, Garoppolo didn’t have a great stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, starting only six games after signing a three-year deal, while throwing for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2023.

Prior to that, though, Garoppolo had five-plus years as the 49ers starter, and was a serviceable starter that worked well with strong options around him. At this stage in his career, we know what Garoppolo is. He’s not a franchise-altering quarterback. But, he probably is an upgrade over Browning, and could keep the Bengals afloat with weapons like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown around him.

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins​

This one may be tough, given the financials involved, but the Bengals could be desperate enough to figure it out.

Cousins is another quarterback who would likely welcome a starting opportunity after being benched by the Atlanta Falcons in favor of then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. last season.

The recovery from his Achilles injury seemed to significantly hamper Cousins last season, who didn’t have the same drive in his throws and didn’t function as well in play-action. Cousins also reported after last season that he’d suffered an injury against the Denver Broncos that led to his benching. But in Cincinnati, he’d be in a shotgun-heavy offense with strong weapons who may play better to his strengths.

Cousins has also dealt with turnover issues throughout his career, but he could also be an upgrade for the Bengals at this point.

49ers QB Mac Jones​

Perhaps no backup quarterback has grown their stock more than San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones since the start of the season.

Taking over for Brock Purdy after a toe injury, Jones has stepped in and won consecutive games for the 49ers, playing admirably given his situation. Now San Francisco likely doesn’t look to move him, and he’s currently on their injury report after aggravating a knee injury in Week 3. But a good enough offer makes any backup quarterback expendable.

Jones has significant starting experience and has shown he can keep an offense afloat in the right situation. He could be the answer for the Bengals for the next few months.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...eserve-kirk-cousins-jimmy-garappolo-mac-jones

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals vs Broncos Saturday Final Injury Report: Noah Fant, Shemar Stewart out

The Cincinnati Bengals travel west this weekend as they gear up for a big Monday night conference matchup against the Denver Broncos. While the Bengals were very healthy entering the regular season, the last couple of weeks saw them get dinged up on both sides of the ball.

Joe Burrow’s toe injury notwithstanding, Cincinnati rookie EDGE Shemar Stewart was pronounced out by the team on Saturday (ankle), as was tight end Noah Fant. The team’s newest tight end is in concussion protocol.

The good news is that cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is back this week after missing last week’s game. He had a nice bounce-back game in the team’s Week 2 win over the Jaguars.

Dalton Risner and Samaje Perine were both injured last week in the blowout loss to the Vikings. However, both seem ready to go this Monday night.

The right guard situation will be one to monitor, as the team has been preparing rookie Jalen Rivers in the event Risner couldn’t go. The entire offensive line has ben a major problem once again this year, regardless of who has been under center.

Cincinnati takes on the Broncos in The Mile High City on Monday night on ESPN and ABC. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET as part of a Monday night double-header on the network.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...al-injury-report-noah-fant-shemar-stewart-out

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News 9/27: Bengals’ star wideouts look to lead team to win vs. Broncos

Bengals News​

Quick Hits | Ja’Marr Chase And Tee Higgins Look For An Encore Vs. Broncos

For the first time ever Monday night (8:15-Cincinnati’s Channel 9), a reigning Triple Crown winner in Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase plays a defending Defensive Player of the Year in Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

Can Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins lead Cincinnati Bengals to a win against the Denver Broncos?

With a long week to prepare for a Week 4 Monday Night Football matchup at Denver, the Cincinnati Bengals are focused on improving their offensive scheme that totaled 171 yards in a 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Trey Hendrickson trade scenario spotlights Bengals’ problem that isn’t going away

A whole lot of offseason drama involving Cincinnati Bengals superstar defensive end Trey Hendrickson culminated in a solid pay raise for 2025, but no long-term contract extension.

Bengals Injury Report: Noah Fant, Shemar Stewart remain out as Monday night bout against Broncos nears

Cincinnati’s second injury report for Week 4 features two players as DNPs.

Joe Burrow First Public Comments Since Surgery, Hints at Possible Return This Season

Burrow made it clear that he plans on returning this season.

NFL News​

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (knee) to miss second straight game; Marcus Mariota to start vs. former Falcons squad

Jayden Daniels will miss another week, while Marcus Mariota will look to take down another one of his former teams.

NFL Week 4 bold predictions: Joe Burrow-less Bengals end Broncos’ home winning streak

Enjoy five bold predictions for the Week 4 NFL action

Browns offensive lineman Dawand Jones undergoes surgery on right knee

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones has undergone right knee surgery, the team announced Friday.

How Danny Got His Dimes Back

Through three weeks this season, the Colts offense looks like a juggernaut—and it’s being led by a guy who was cut by the Giants last year.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/cincinn...-wideouts-look-to-lead-team-to-win-vs-broncos