The Bengals’ final preseason weekend could end up deciding more than just a few backup jobs, and two defensive linemen are suddenly in the spotlight.
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra went through every roster in the league this week and pointed to McKinnley Jackson and Kris Jenkins as cut-or-trade candidates in Cincinnati. Both players were Day 2 draft picks in 2024, but neither has done much to separate himself during camp or the preseason.
The numbers back up the uneven showings. Jackson has posted a 46.6 Pro Football Focus grade across 54 preseason snaps, while Jenkins has been better, checking in at 61.2 over 41 snaps. Even so, Patra believes the math in Cincinnati’s rebuilt defensive front could squeeze one or both out.
“A numbers game in Cincy’s beefed-up defense has one or both of the 2024 Day 2 draft picks likely out the door," Patra wrote. "I’d lean Jackson, who's had less of an impact than Jenkins over two seasons, as the more likely candidate to be released. Seventh-round rookie Landon Robinson has flashed during the preseason and is on the verge of pushing for snaps.”
Robinson’s preseason splash plays have made him look like a strong bet to make the roster, and T.J. Slaton also appears secure. That leaves very little room for Jackson and Jenkins if Cincinnati sticks with five defensive linemen on the main roster, as it did in December 2025.
The Bengals still have one more game to sort it out, and they’ll get that last look against Philadelphia after camp closed on Wednesday. Zac Taylor made it clear earlier this week that nobody should feel safe.
“I think all over. I don't feel like anybody should feel comfortable going into this last week that they've made the team," Bengals HC Zac Taylor said on Monday.
"That's a big part of it is we want guys that we can depend on. So they've got to continue to be consistent and accountable over this last week through the Philly game.
And we'll make our decisions this weekend. And then next week, we'll see which guys continue to compete and are on the roster for those backup roles."
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