Two-game skid, 76-13 deficit, has national media blasting Cincinnati. Stephen A. Smith and others question Zac Taylor as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins struggle to spark the offense. Jermaine Burton’s late arrival and inactive status add off-field noise.

Fans and analysts grow hot-seat talk as the Bengals face a pivotal stretch; changes loom if production doesn’t improve and the offense can finally click.

The Bengals are drilling a contingency plan for punt returns ahead of Week 2 with Ja’Marr Chase, DJ Turner II and Mitchell Tinsley rotating at return duties in practice. Jermaine Burton’s mild injury keeps Cincinnati lean on special teams, and the club may lean on Chase or Turner or Tinsley for emergency reps if Charlie Jones can’t go.

The trio is positioned for real reps only if Jones is sidelined, while Burton’s gradual return from injury could shift usage. This signals a heightened emphasis on return depth without sacrificing offensive playmakers.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a tougher final cut than in recent years, with more rookies in prominent roles and veterans battling for 53-man spots. Depth battles span the defensive line, safety corps, and wide receivers, while new coaches add to the complexity of decisions ahead of the roster deadline.

Key bubble players highlighted include McKinnley Jackson, Daijahn Anthony, and Isaiah Williams, each facing pressure to secure a spot or risk waivers. The safety group is still unsettled behind Geno Stone and Jordan Battle, with Tycen Anderson and PJ Jules in the mix. The WR room remains competitive behind Mitchell Tinsley, Charlie Jones, and Jermaine Burton, potentially pushing Williams to the waiver wire.