Bengals vs. Falcons preseason game loses national broadcast

While it remains to be seen if there will be a preseason this year, we now know at least one Bengals game has been affected.

According to Local 12 reporter Jed DeMuesy, CBS has informed broadcasters that it won’t air the Bengals vs. Falcons matchup on August 28th. The game hasn’t been canceled yet, but we do know it won’t be nationally broadcast on CBS. Instead, if the game is played, it will likely be seen locally on the Bengals Network, which typically airs games on FOX.

This was easily the Bengals’ most intriguing preseason game this year, primarily because it would have been the third one, which is usually a dress rehearsal for the regular season. It would have also been another chance for star receiver A.J. Green to play in front of friends and family. He played collegiately at the nearby University of Georgia and had a home in Atlanta.

Cincinnati vs. Atlanta also makes sense as a game the NFL should keep on the schedule in the event the preseason slate is cut down to two games per team. This would be an easy trip for Cincinnati’s lone road game since Atlanta is about seven hours away. The other road preseason game on Cincinnati’s schedule is at Kansas City in Week 1.

If I had to guess, I would say the Bengals still end up playing at Atlanta and then host the Colts for their one home preseason game. But there’s a very real possibility there is no preseason this year due to COVID-19.