The most notable Bengals players in danger of being cut from the 53-man roster

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals face tough decisions as they finalize their 53-man roster, with several notable players at risk of being cut. Key names include Mitchell Tinsley, Erick All Jr., and TJ Slaton, among others.

Key points

Cincinnati Bengals finalizing their 53-man roster
Mitchell Tinsley and Erick All Jr. at risk of being cut
TJ Slaton's position affected by Dexter Lawrence's addition
Competition from new players impacting roster decisions

Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) stands on the field with wide receivers Mitchell Tinsley (82) and Tee Higgins (5) during the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The draft is over. While the Cincinnati Bengals may not be done adding guys to the roster—they could grab a guy or two after cut-down day—but the vast majority of additions have been made. Now the Bengals’ coaching staff will have to evaluate the team they have and pick the best 53 players capable of taking them back to the Super Bowl. There will be some pretty tough cuts. Here are some surprising players who could find themselves on the outside looking in.

Offense

**Mitchell Tinsley:** Tinsley emerged in 2025 as a fun story. In a season racked with injuries, he wowed fans with acrobatic catches, including two touchdowns, and looked like he could emerge as another consistent weapon for Joe Burrow. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are cemented as WR1 and WR2, but there’s a large drop-off between the two of them and WR3. and are established, but Tinsley isn’t, which makes him a possible cut. ** Jr.:** This is really unfortunate, because All has a ton of talent. He had injury concerns heading into the 2024 draft, though, which is why he fell to the fourth round. He went on IR about halfway through his rookie year, and then missed his sophomore season after he had to have an additional surgery. Texas tight end Jack Endries fell to the Bengals in the seventh round, and I could see him pulling the rug out from under All, especially if he’s not fully healthy. **:** Then again, maybe All is healthy, and if he makes the 53-man roster as well as Endries, it could be Hudson who finds himself out of a job. He’s got the most experience in the passing game, but he’s not going to unseat , and adds too much value as a blocker and H-back. Hudson could be the odd man out. **:** Ford has been a renaissance man for the Bengals’ offensive line when it comes to being a backup. He’s played every position other than center. That’s been one of his most alluring attributes, but with the addition of Connor Lew and Brian Parker II (who’s also very versatile), Ford could be looking for work elsewhere, especially if the Bengals make another addition to the line. **:** Maybe because of Ford’s versatility, cutting him is a reach. Cutting Rivers isn’t. He’ll be fighting for his position immediately. He was last year’s fifth-round pick, and he was a backup last season, but Parker could edge him out.

Q&A

Which Cincinnati Bengals players are at risk of being cut from the roster?

Players like Mitchell Tinsley, Erick All Jr., and TJ Slaton are among those potentially facing cuts as the Bengals finalize their roster.

What factors could lead to Mitchell Tinsley being cut from the Bengals?

Tinsley may be cut due to the strong presence of established wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, along with competition from other emerging players.

How does the addition of Dexter Lawrence affect TJ Slaton's chances of making the Bengals roster?

With Dexter Lawrence as the starting nose tackle, TJ Slaton's chances of making the roster are diminished, as the team may prioritize maximizing Lawrence's impact.

What challenges does Erick All Jr. face in securing a spot on the Bengals roster?

Erick All Jr. faces challenges due to his injury history and competition from newly drafted tight end Jack Endries, which could jeopardize his position on the team.