'Pretty Big' - Cashius Howell Ready to Play in First NFL Game Opportunity

Cashius Howell is eager to play in his first NFL game on Thursday night.

The rookie Bengals edge rusher is splashing in training camp all over the place but sat out the most recent practice with an unknown injury ding. Still, he plans on playing in the preseason game against Detroit and dove into the excitement with FOX 19's Jeremy Rauch.

First Chance

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Cashius Howell (55) during minicamp, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Kettering Health Practice Fields in downtown Cincinnati. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Howell knows this is a chance to make a statement early in his career.

"Pretty big," Howell said about the game's importance for his growth. "Obviously, it's my first time getting live reps in the NFL. So it's obviously a big thing for me. So I just want to go out there and make sure that I'm playing to the best of my abilities and just playing the game that I was meant to play."

Zac Taylor addressed the media on Tuesday and gave his thoughts on players like Howell and fellow rookie Tacario Davis suiting up in the game.

Cincinnati plans to play a ton of starters early in the contest as they did for a preseason game last season.

"I think that's why I'm a little limited right now, just on some guys that we're kind of limiting day to day and making decisions for on Thursday," Taylor said on Tuesday. "So I'm not quick enough right now to say who's gonna be full go yet because there's just some guys that I just really want to manage through this week, and we'll make some decisions if they're playing tomorrow or not.

"But those guys, there's nothing long-term on them. It's just we kind of get out there some days, decide for that day if we're gonna put them out there."

Howell has put his head down and hit the grindstone all summer long.

There has been zero drama and only hard work from the Texas A&M product.

"I feel like I've done good given the circumstances, but obviously there's still room for improvement," Howell concluded. "Little things that I need to hone in on, but overall, I feel like I went out there and did the best that I could. Just got to continue to keep being consistent and keep stacking days."

If treatment goes well today and tomorrow, it seems like Howell will suit up during his first chance at NFL game action.

Check out the full chat below:

"It's a big thing for me."

Cashius Howell told us he expects to play on Thursday and can't wait to make his NFL debut. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/yld9Vi9reK
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) August 11, 2026

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