Bengals vs. Commanders GAMEDAY Preview: 53-Man Roster Moves Await

The Commanders must reduce their roster to 53 players in the coming days. Their final preseason game against the Bengals should provide clarity.

In their preseason finale, the Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals on tonight. 

This matchup is very important to a group of Commanders in their last opportunity to make the 53-man roster. Washington's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Tuesday, Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. Washington's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.

It's unlikely that Washington's starters, including quarterback Sam Howell, will be active for Saturday's game. Cincinnati won’t be playing any starters vs. Washington.

Howell is fresh off a strong performance in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens. he second-year quarterback out of North Carolina completed 19 of his 25 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.

"Our guys are finding ways -- creative ways -- to drag themselves across the finish line," offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. "When you have that resilience, it's something that you can build upon. I'm starting to see the second effort. On top of that, I'm seeing guys play faster. So, all those things are just coming to light."

On Saturday, Coach Ron Rivera singled out two players he will be watching:  guard/center Ricky Stromberg and defensive back Quan Martin. 

Martin, drafted for his versatility, he had a solid bounce back game against the Ravens after a disappointing debut against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. Stromberg, who was drafted to play center, has since moved to guard in training camp, a position he last played his freshman year of college at Arkansas. 

INJURY UPDATE: The Commanders may be down their best receiver in Week 1, and possibly beyond that. Terry McLaurin suffered a turf toe injury the Commanders'  preseason win over the Ravens.

RECORDS: Washington Commanders (2-0 preseason) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1-1 preseason)

ODDS: Washington is a 5.5-point favorite vs. the Bengals

GAME TIME: Saturday, August 26, 2023, 6:05 p.m. ET

LOCATION: FedEx Field - Landover, Maryland

TV/RADIO: WRC-TV, WMAL 105.9

THE FINAL WORD:  Coach Eric Bieniemy is encouraged by Howell's improvement, attributing his success to simply getting consistent reps:

“You know what I thought Sam’s progression has been right where you would like it to be," Bieniemy said. "I thought he's just stayed the course, you know, he's learned a lot just being out there each and every day."

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