With the Bengals officially out of the playoff picture, the final stretch of the season takes on a different kind of importance. No, these games won’t be about chasing a Super Bowl - but they can be about building the foundation for the next one. This is the time to evaluate depth, test out young talent, and find out who might be ready to take on a bigger role in 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at a few players Cincinnati would be wise to spotlight in the coming weeks - not just to fill out the roster, but to potentially uncover some hidden gems.
Mitchell Tinsley: A Look at the WR Depth
With Tee Higgins dealing with injuries and the team out of contention, there’s no reason to rush him back. The risk just isn’t worth it - especially with his long-term health in mind.
That opens the door for Mitchell Tinsley, who’s flashed potential in limited action. He’s shown he can make plays when given the opportunity, but now the Bengals need to expand his role.
Let him line up in different spots. Get him reps against starting-caliber defenders.
See how he handles contested catches, route adjustments, and timing with the quarterback. Even if he’s not a future WR2, he could carve out a valuable role as a rotational piece or special teams contributor.
And at this point in the season, that kind of upside is worth exploring.
Cedric Johnson: Time to Unleash the Edge Depth
With Trey Hendrickson sidelined and Shemar Stewart still working his way back from injury, Cincinnati’s pass rush rotation is thin - but that’s actually a blessing in disguise for a guy like Cedric Johnson.
At 23 years old, Johnson is the kind of developmental edge rusher who just needs reps. He’s got the physical tools - that much was clear in the preseason when he notched a sack that turned heads.
But like many young pass rushers, he needed time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Now, with meaningful snaps up for grabs, the Bengals can finally see what they have in him.
Can he win with speed? Hold his own on early downs?
If he shows flashes now, it could change how Cincinnati approaches the offseason at the position.
Joe Giles-Harris: A Smart Plug-in at Linebacker
The Bengals have been gashed by big plays all year, and the linebacker group hasn’t exactly been a bright spot. That’s why giving Joe Giles-Harris more defensive snaps makes a lot of sense.
He’s already shown solid instincts in limited action, and he’s been a reliable presence on special teams. The question is whether that awareness and discipline can translate to more consistent defensive reps.
With the way the Bengals’ defense has struggled at times, there’s no harm in finding out. If nothing else, he could prove to be a valuable depth piece heading into next season - and every team needs those.
Shaka Heyward: Another LB Worth Evaluating
Heyward’s path has been similar to Giles-Harris - mostly special teams, few defensive snaps. But at 25 years old and in his third NFL season, he’s still young enough to develop into something more.
Given the inconsistencies at linebacker, the Bengals should see what Heyward can do with more responsibility. Can he read and react quickly enough in zone coverage?
Can he hold up against the run? These are questions that only live reps can answer.
And with nothing to lose and everything to gain, now’s the time to find out.
Tycen Anderson & Daijahn Anthony: Safety Net for the Future?
The Bengals’ secondary is in flux, especially at safety. Geno Stone is headed for free agency, and while Jordan Battle is under contract, his long-term role isn’t set in stone either.
That makes this a perfect window to give Tycen Anderson and Daijahn Anthony a real shot. Both players bring intriguing skill sets, and both need more than just garbage-time snaps to show what they can do.
Whether it’s rotating them in on early downs or giving them full series to settle in, Cincinnati should be aggressive in evaluating their young safeties. You can’t coach confidence - but you can build it by giving players a chance to prove themselves.
Shemar Stewart: The First-Rounder Needs Reps
The Bengals spent premium draft capital on Shemar Stewart, and while injuries have derailed much of his rookie season, there’s still time to end the year on a high note.
He’s close to returning from an ankle injury, and once he’s cleared, he should be on the field as much as possible. Not just for development’s sake, but to get a real sense of where he stands heading into Year 2.
Stewart needs to get comfortable in the Bengals’ system, test his pass-rush moves against starting tackles, and start building the kind of confidence that only comes from game action. The Bengals invested in him - now it’s time to let that investment start paying dividends.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals may not be playing for a playoff spot, but they are playing for something. These next few games are about evaluation, development, and setting the tone for 2026. Every snap is a chance to find a future contributor - or at the very least, get clarity on who fits into the long-term vision.
It’s not the ending Cincinnati hoped for, but it can still be a meaningful one.