Bengals News (8/19): Josh Newton is turning the corner
The Cincinnati Bengals practice during the 2026 preseason on Tuesday August 18, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters CoOne preseason game is in the books. The Bengals defeated the Lions at home by a score of 16-14. What did we learn? We learned that some players are still knocking the dust off, and some look like they're ready to go. We got to see most of the starters, and we got to see a lot of the guys whose spots on the roster aren't etched in stone.
They play their second of three preseason games on Saturday, also at home, against the Chicago Bears. Practice resumed this week in preparation for the practice game. Here's what's going on Wednesday morning.
By all accounts, cornerback Josh Newton hasn't had a good camp. In fact, it's gotten to the point where some are questioning whether or not he has a spot on the 53-man roster. He had a good day on Tuesday, intercepting one pass and breaking up another on a third-and-long pass attempt to Charlie Jones.
Man-to-man backside, we like to run a lot of digs in our offense backside when it is 3 by 1 (receivers on a side). I was in front and had the leverage. Anytime your man-to-man backside three by one, you're hot," he said, per bengals.com beat writer Geoff Hobson.
John Sheeran makes a strong case for the Bengals to add running back Khalil Herbert, who was just released by the San Francisco 49ers. Sheeran mentions the Bengals traded for Herbert in 2024 when Zack Moss' injury thinned out the depth at the position. He also mentions that the depth behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine isn't as strong as it should be.
This Bengals Youngster Is Primed for Huge Season in 2026 Despite Recent Hiccup
Cincinnati invested heavily in its defensive front this offseason, including signing Boye Mafe, trading for Dexter Lawrence and drafting Cashius Howell. So Stewart can't afford another poor season or he risks being discarded. I think he'll rise to the challenge and prove to be a versatile and important contributor to one of the NFL's most improved teams this year."
I feel really confident," Brown said. Normally at this time I would feel a lot more rusty than I have. But at this point, I feel pretty good."
Paul Dehner Jr. takes a look at three positions that could still be considered positions of need" as the Bengals motor through the preseason. On the defensive side of the ball, he lists linebacker and cornerback as the two positions that are lacking some depth. Then on the offensive side of the ball he lists offensive tackle. After Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, the Bengals have a lot of hopes wrapped up in Cody Ford.
Latest Injury Update on Dax Hill, Bryan Cook as Bengals Return to Field During Joint Practice Week
They will not play in this game, so we'll get them through the week and then see where that lands going into next week," Taylor said about Hill and Cook.