Mitchell Tinsley lit up the Bengals’ exhibition showing, pulling in five receptions for 73 yards in the second quarter, including two leaping end-zone touchdowns that came only 20 seconds apart. His 21-yard grab in the back of the end zone capped a drive that started with a Barrett Carter pick, turning Monday night into a personal audition for Cincinnati’s final roster spot. The burst of production in the late first half underscored why Cincinnati’s depth at receiver is intriguing and why coach Zac Taylor has been high on him since training camp.

Joe Burrow amplified the message in the third quarter, praising Tinsley for his camp consistency and trustworthiness, saying, "That guy has been making plays all camp. Hopefully, he's secured a spot for us... He’s a smart guy, knows all the positions." With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins anchoring the group, Tinsley’s performance still matters as a potential complementary weapon who can line up outside, in the slot, or over the top when called upon.

The win over Washington reinforced the storyline: Cincinnati is deep at wideout, and Tinsley’s emergence adds a real layer of optimism for those tracking late-round or dynasty fantasy value. As he noted, staying mentally sharp and controlling what he can control has been key. His city of NFL beginnings now feels like a proving ground that could translate into a meaningful NFL role come Week 1, depending on how he finishes the preseason and how the team allocates spots on the 53.