In Week 2 of the NFL preseason, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Washington Commanders, and even though they came away victorious 31-17, both sides of the ball left much to be desired. The offense did score on its first possession as Joe Burrow went 9/14 for 62 yards and one touchdown. The blocking for Burrow up the middle was atrocious again, with the Bengals badly needing help at right guard, and it might be on the way in the form of Dalton Risner. The defense was inconceivably worse than against the Philadelphia Eagles. It seemed to be making the same fundamental mistakes they made in 2024, as the Commanders torched Al Golden’s crew in all phases in the first half. Those fighting for roster spots will have one more chance to impress before final cuts, so let’s examine three players who stood out after Game 2 of the preseason.
NFL Preseason Week 2: Risers for the Cincinnati Bengals
Mitchell Tinsley
The Bengals signed Mitchell Tinsley to a Reserve/Future contract in February, as he was waived by the Commanders last August. The Penn State product has good size at 6’1″, 205 pounds, and wowed with some serious catches that may have just secured him a roster spot after a five-reception day for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
MITCH. TINSLEY. AGAIN.
Watch on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/lsOpLpMTDt— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025
Tinsley has the stamp of approval from two important decision makers in Zac Taylor and Burrow, and they both have been effusive in their praise, as the Bengals typically keep six wide receivers, which bodes well for number 82.
Charlie Jones
Charlie Jones has been hampered by injuries since he was drafted by Cincinnati in 2023. Now, the third-year veteran is finally healthy and has looked solid in camp and games. Burrow seems to trust Chuck Sizzle, especially on third down and with tight, contested catches.
Joe Burrow with a dart to Charlie Jones for six!
Watch on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/71FYimTSSP— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2025
Jones also has good hands and quickness and has proven to be valuable as a kickoff return specialist, which only cements his place on the roster even further.
Tahj Brooks
The Bengals may have found a gem in the sixth round in rookie running back Tahj Brooks. His lower half is incredibly strong, and when he gets going, it’s hard to bring him down on first contact. Brooks is a capable pass protector with good vision and can bounce outside if needed.
Manor grad Tahj Brooks reversing field for a Bengals first down
“Nice carry by the rookie Brooks”#WreckEm | @Manor_Sports | @ManorISD pic.twitter.com/oT59EnSeQt
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) August 19, 2025
Brooks will get plenty of run in the final preseason game this Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. It will be interesting to see if he’s the backup to Chase Brown on September 7th against Cleveland or if they ease him into that role with old friend Samaje Perine still a viable option.
Main Photo: Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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