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Bengals Roster Shakeup Looms After Preseason Blowout Loss
23 Aug
Summary
- Bengals roster lacks depth compared to previous years
- Team to be active in free agent and waiver wire markets
- Specific needs at offensive line, defensive line, and safety

The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their preseason schedule on August 23, 2025, with a lopsided 41-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. While the vast majority of players who saw action in the blowout defeat are unlikely to make the final roster, the result was indicative of a Bengals team that lacks the depth it has had in previous years.
In the aftermath of the preseason finale, the Bengals organization has made it clear that they will be scouring the free agent and waiver wire markets in the coming days to bolster their roster. With the final 53-man roster deadline set for August 29th, the team is specifically targeting additions at offensive line, defensive line, and safety, with a few other positions also on their radar.
Heading into the regular season, the Bengals will be relying heavily on their starters, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who had an impressive preseason. However, the lack of proven depth at several key positions could prove to be a concern as the team looks to build on their success from the previous year.