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Cincinnati Bengals final 2023 projected roster

Receivers Ja'Marr Chase (1) and Tee Higgins (5) lead the Bengals into 2023 as they await the return of injured QB Joe Burrow. Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2023 NFL regular season at the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 10 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Offensive lineman Jackson Carman will be a name to watch. The team's 2021 second-round pick got an extensive look at both tackle positions throughout training camp as the Bengals evaluated his prospects as a reserve at either spot.

The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Here is the final projection:

QUARTERBACK (2): Joe Burrow, Jake Browning

In the biggest battle of training camp, Browning appears to have the edge over the veteran Trevor Siemian. Browning had the better showing in the preseason games and has been able to push the ball downfield during practices as well.


RUNNING BACK (4): Joe Mixon, Trayveon Williams, Chris Evans, Chase Brown

Evans is the biggest winner in training camp. He went from being on the bubble to solidifying his roster spot. "He's gotten a lot of work and looked really good," Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said. "I'm happy for him. I'm proud of him."


WIDE RECEIVER (7): Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, Stanley Morgan, Andrei Iosivas

Both wide receivers Cincinnati drafted should easily make the roster. Iosivas has shown the ability to make contested catches and will give the Bengals extra depth at outside receiver. Jones, despite a torn labrum, will be the team's punt returner.


TIGHT END (3): Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, Mitchell Wilcox

Smith, who signed a one-year contract in free agency, headlines a group that includes experienced veterans. Wilcox is cleared after offseason surgery for a knee injury he unknowingly sustained during the 2022 season. This should be a strong group.


OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Jonah Williams, Cody Ford, Max Scharping, D'Ante Smith, Jackson Carman

Carman, the third-year player, has struggled to find his place on the roster his entire time in Cincinnati. But the Bengals might look to give the 2021 second-round pick one last chance to develop into a reliable player. La'el Collins was on the physically unable to perform list and could use some extra time to get healthy after suffering a torn ACL last December.


DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, Cam Sample, Joseph Ossai, Myles Murphy, DJ Reader, BJ Hill, Zach Carter, Josh Tupou, Jay Tufele

Keep an eye on Carter. The 2022 third-round draft pick out of Florida has added weight to his 6-foot-4 frame and could be disruptive force in the middle of the line.


LINEBACKER (5): Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Markus Bailey, Joe Bachie

Wilson and Pratt each signed new contracts this offseason, solidifying the starting group for the immediate future. Davis-Gaither and Bailey have been consistent reserves. Bachie has provided value on special teams.


CORNERBACK (6): Chidobe Awuzie, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mike Hilton, DJ Turner, DJ Ivey, Jalen Davis

Awuzie has made terrific progress after suffering a torn ACL last October. If he is fully healthy and regains his previous form, the starting trio that features him, Taylor-Britt and Hilton could be one of the better ones in the league.


SAFETY (4): Dax Hill, Nick Scott, Jordan Battle, Tycen Anderson

Anderson's two-interception game in the preseason opener against the Packers showed what he can bring to the defense. Battle, this year's third-round selection, has also flashed at times and has the potential to be a long-term strong safety.


SPECIALISTS (3): Evan McPherson (K), Brad Robbins (P), Cal Adomitis (LS)

Robbins was one of three punters selected in this year's draft. Cincinnati is hoping he can be a long-term starter to replace Kevin Huber, the team's starting punter from 2009 to 2022.