The Cincinnati Bengals are one of 28 teams that are closing their offices this week. The offseason training program was completed Thursday following the team's final mandatory practice. Players go back to their respective homes to work out on their own. Some will host youth football camps, others will continue their respective training and rehabilitation programs on their own. Andy Dalton is planning to invite wide receivers to his Dallas home for some pitch and catch sessions.
July 25 - August 15: Training Camp
The season philosophically begins, as players congregate at Paul Brown Stadium. Details and times are currently undecided. This is where those training camp battles that are talked about all offseason is settled. From center, to backup quarterback, and bubble players hoping to make the roster.
August 5 - August 6: Joint Practice in Atlanta
Cincinnati will open their preseason schedule in Atlanta. Earlier during the week, Cincinnati will hold a joint practice with the Falcons in Atlanta.
August 8: Bengals at Falcons, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
First preseason game of the year. The game will be aired on national television.
August 17: Titans at Bengals, 7 p.m. (Local)
Second preseason game of the year. This will mark only the second time that the Bengals have played the Titans in the preseason.
August 24: Bengals at Cowboys, 8 p.m. (Local)
The "dress rehearsal" for teams playing the second-to-last preseason game, sometimes playing deep into the third quarter.
August 27: Roster Reduction
Teams must reduce their roster to a maximum of 75 players.
August 29: Colts at Bengals, 7 p.m. (Local)
Cincinnati puts the finishing touches on the preseason.
August 31: Roster Reduction
Teams must reduce their roster to a maximum of 53 players.
September 3: Injured Reserve Designation Starts
Teams can start declaring a player on Injured Reserve with a designation to return.
September 8: Bengals at Bears, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Cincinnati begins their Super Bowl run in Chicago.