Preseason Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts (0-3)

We are only one game away from actual football!

The fourth preseason game is probably one of the least desirable for casual fans, but this is many players last chance to make an impression, not only on the Bengals but for the rest of the 31 NFL teams.

You likely won’t see any starters suit up for this game as most teams use this week to give their starters a week off before the real thing starts. Considering how cautious the Bengals have been with players during training camp and the preseason, you should expect Cincinnati to follow that trend.

We will see plenty of backup players fighting for roster spots. Like the battle for the final few wide receiver spots. Undrafted rookie Damion Willis has already been named a starter for Week 1, so that means at most two more spots are available between Cody Core, Josh Malone and Stanley Morgan Jr.

This is the Colts’ first game following the surprising news that quarterback Andrew Luck’s retirement. Although, the Bengals won’t see quarterback Jacoby Brissett this week, or any close to Indianapolis’ starting offense. You should still expect to hear plenty about the move and what it means for the Colt’s during Thursday night’s game.

Here is everything you need to know for when the Bengals host the Colts:

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts (0-3)

Date/Time: Aug. 29nd, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. EST

Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Series Leader: Colts, 19-12 (regular season)

Streak: The Bengals have won the last two meetings

Coaches vs. Opponent: Zac Taylor: 0-0. Frank Reich 0-1

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on the Bengals Preseason Network with broadcasters Mike Watts (play-by-play), Anthony Munoz (analyst) and Solomon Wilcots (sideline analyst). The network is led by flagship WKRC-TV (CBS Channel 12) in Cincinnati. Also on the network are WKEF-TV (ABC Ch. 22) in Dayton, WSYX-TV (ABC Ch. 6) in Columbus, WLIO-TV (FOX Ch. 8.2) in Lima, WDKY-TV FOX Ch. 56) in Lexington, Ky. and WDRB-TV (FOX Ch. 41) in Louisville, Ky.

Radio Broadcast: The game will air on the Bengals Radio Network, led by Cincinnati flagship stations WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (ESPN 1530; all sports) and WEBN-FM (102.7). Broadcasters are Dan Hoard (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (analyst).

SB Nation Colts site: Stampede Blue

Weather: Mid 70’s, clear/partly cloudy [NFL weather]

Odds: Bengals, -4 [Odds Shark]

Bengals Notes

• Rookie quarterback Ryan Finely leads the Bengals during the preseason with 414 passing yards. He has completed 73.4 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and an interception. Undrafted rookie Jake Dolegala saw his first action of the preseason against the Giants. He threw for 94 yards completing 10 of his 12 throws with two touchdowns.
• Rookie running back Rodney Anderson saw his first action last week. He ran the ball eight times for seven yards, with his longest run being eight yards. He did add 51 yards receiving on four catches, though. Undrafted rookie running back Jordan Ellis still leads the Bengals in rushing yards for the preseason. He has 68 yards on the ground on 19 carries. He also leads the Bengals with 12 receptions.
• Undrafted rookie wide receiver Damion Willis leads the Bengals with 118 receiving yards. He also caught his first touchdown last week against the Giants. Wide receiver Cody Core is second in receiving with 85 receiving yards on eight catches. Tight end C.J. Uzomah and wide receiver Josh Malone added their first touchdowns of the preseason.
• Defensive end Carl Lawson saw his first action of the preseason. He recorded a sack and forced fumble. Kerry Wynn also recorded a sack and a tackle for a loss. Rookie linebacker Germaine Pratt and defensive lineman Jordan Willis combined for half of a sack each. Cornerbacks B.W. Webb and William Jackson each had a pass deflection.