Analyzing Biggest Concerns Ahead of Bengals Preseason Finale Against Commanders

Cincinnati is in Washington for their preseason finale.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are in Washington to play the Commanders on Saturday night. 

Most of the 53-man roster is set. Head coach Zac Taylor won’t play any starters, which is the right decision. 

There are plenty of questions looming, even though the starters aren’t suiting up. Here are the biggest concerns/questions that could be answered on Saturday in Washington: 

Backup Quarterback

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Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian have both had an up-and-down training camp. Browning played better last week in Atlanta, but was inconsistent in practice this week. 

The competition is tight. Both guys will suit up and get roughly the same amount of time on Saturday. 

"Close. Those guys have both really worked on the things we’ve asked them to improve on," head coach Zac Taylor said. "I do see them getting better every single day that passes. There’s more comfort in working with that group and making the checks and doing the things effectively that we want them to do. It’s been a tight race." 

Reid Sinnett will also get his first snaps of the preseason in Washington. It's fair to expect Browning and Siemian to both get at least a quarter of playing time each in their quest to be Joe Burrow’s backup.

 

Running Back Battle

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Trayveon Williams (ankle) is out. Will Chris Evans get any snaps or will Chase Brown get the majority of the carries? 

Evans could be a major factor in the Bengals' backfield early on in the season, especially if Williams doesn’t recover from his ankle sprain. 

We may see Brown in the backfield early on, followed by Jacob Saylors and Calvin Tyler Jr.

Jackson Carman

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Carman has the traits to be a quality NFL player, but has been inconsistent throughout his career. After playing every snap last week, how much playing time will the former second-round pick receive this week? 

"Like a lot of guys, continuing to improve and be consistent," Taylor said when asked about Carman. "That’s what we’re asking of a lot of those linemen. Show us consistency, continued improvement and what we’re teaching. There are a lot of guys in the mix doing a good job."

Carman played the majority of snaps at left tackle against the Falcons. Will he stay there or will they try him on the right side? 

#Bengals fans, what are you MOST concerned about going into the final preseason game?🏈

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 20, 2023

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