Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World, once said, “There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between lie the doors of perception.”
It doesn’t take much attention to understand that it’s no big secret who will make the Cincinnati Bengals’ final 53-man roster, which will be announced Tuesday. Still, there are a few unknowns. But there are a lot more known.
The quarterback situation, for example, is simple: Joe Burrow and Jake Browning are in. Logan Woodside is out.
In fact, the entire offense is pretty much set, except perhaps at tight end. The top three of Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. are set. The fourth and final spot will be decided by a decision between Tanner Hudson, who has emerged as a Burrow favorite, and sixth-round rookie Tanner McLachlan. I’m putting my money on McLachlan because he has more potential, but it won’t surprise anyone if Hudson makes it.
The offensive line consists of right tackles Trent Brown and Amarius Mims, left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., right guard Alex Cappa, left guard Cordell Volson and center Ted Karras. Cody Ford, Jaxson Kirkland and Matt Lee will be capable backups.
Cincinnati will have one of the best receiver teams in the league, led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Trenton Irwin, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones and Jermaine Burton round out the team.
Chase Brown, Zack Moss and Trayveon Williams are scheduled to be the running backs.
On defense, the only unknowns seem to be along the defensive line. Ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are set in stone, followed by Joseph Ossai, Myles Murphy and rookie Cedric Johnson.
BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins are the starting defensive tackles, while rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. and Zach Carter are expected to be the primary backups. The only question is whether the Bengals decide to continue using Jay Tufele as the fifth tackle or fill the spot on the waiver wire.
The linebacker position seems secure, with starters Jermaine Pratt and Logan Wilson joined by Akeem Davis-Gaither and Joe Bachie. The fifth and final spot is between Shaka Heyward, Devin Harper and Maema Njongmeta. The sentimental favorite here is Njongmeta, who led the Bengals in tackles in the preseason.
Cincinnati could keep 11 players in the secondary. Cornerbacks Mike Hilton, Dax Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Josh Newton are included. A possible sixth cornerback could be Jalen Davis or Allan George.
At the safety position, Vonn Bell, Geno Stone and Jordan Battle have secured their spots. If two more are retained, Daijah Anthony and Tycen Anderson will both make the cut. However, if only four are retained, one of the two will be released on Tuesday.
Kicker Evan McPherson and long snapper Cal Adomitis have secured their places.
The only remaining unknown would be at punter, where incumbent Brad Robbins is dealing with a hip flexor. Rookie Ryan Rehkow has the stronger leg but has been far too inconsistent so far. It’s safe to assume Robbins keeps his job, but there’s a chance the Bengals keep Rehkow for now until Robbins is healthy. That would be unfortunate, as it would likely mean releasing someone like Davis, Anderson, Anthony or Tufele.
