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Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow wrapped up a strong camp with a dominant red zone session in the final practice open to the media. In an ESPN sit-down that aired Friday, Burrow said he is "playing for my job this year," repeating his late-camp now-or-never message: "I'm tired of saying, 'Next year, next year, next year.' This is it. Life is too short to keep pushing things down the road.” A toe injury wiped out most of his 2025, and the Bengals have missed the playoffs three straight years. While some in the national media have tried to frame this as Burrow being frustrated with the organization, the opposite is the case — Burrow loves the improvements to the roster and believes the team has a real shot this season. Friday's 30-13 win in Philadelphia belonged to the backups, who finished off the first undefeated Bengals preseason since 2006. Josh Johnson completed 12 of 19 passes for 156 yards in the first half, and Sean Clifford piloted three scoring drives after halftime. "The two quarterbacks were nails," coach Zac Taylor said. "Josh Johnson had a superb preseason. Sean as well." With Burrow and 41-year-old Joe Flacco resting, the third roster spot came down to cutdown day, and the answer was neither — Cincinnati kept just two quarterbacks, releasing Johnson, whom Taylor called "such a pro," and waiving Clifford, a natural fit to return to the practice squad where he spent last season.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Chase Brown is healthy and locked into the lead role in the backfield. "I love the way that they're involving me in the offense, putting me in the slot, and allowing me to use my full skill set to make plays," Brown said. He is playing on the final year of his rookie deal with extension talks unresolved, and after 1,456 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns last season, a bigger receiving role would only raise his price. The final roster confirmed the top three of Brown, Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks. Kentrel Bullock, who totaled 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, and Jamal Haynes, who racked up 78 yards including a 39-yard touchdown run, were waived but are practice squad candidates. While Brooks showed well on special teams and improved as a pass blocker, his relatively disappointing camp means his spot is not fully safe if another back the Bengals like ends up on waivers — there were reports the team had interest in Kaleb Johnson before he landed in Green Bay.