Bengals News (8/23): Defense continues reign of terror

Camp Notebook: Another big day for the Bengals defense
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor's training camp ended last week and since the Bengals are not playing their third and final preseason game until next Sunday (4 p.m.-Cincinnati's Channel 12) against Miami at Paul Brown Stadium, it gives Taylor the chance to for prepare his team like he would for a Sunday home game during the regular season.

Quick Hits: Bengals opening day offensive line and Joe Burrow may play in the preseason
"I think that would be ideal. After the game, going into that final week before the game to have a general idea," Taylor said before Sunday's practice. "There won't be a lot of information that we'll gain next week from practices in terms of that competition. So, again, it's not set in stone that when this game ends, we'll name the starters. But I think we'll probably have a pretty good idea of what direction we're headed for Week 1."

Breaking down the Cincinnati Bengals roster after two preseason games
The Bengals practice Sunday after Friday's 17-13 loss in Washington, but other than that it's like a regular-season week as they prep for next Sunday's preseason finale (4 p.m.-Cincinnati's Channel 12) against Miami at Paul Brown Stadium. But a preseason finale is never normal for the back of the roster. Especially after Sunday's report third-round pick Joseph Ossai is feared out for the year.

Bengals sign DE Noah Spence, waive five players
Signed free agent DE Noah Spence. A fifth-year player out of Eastern Kentucky University, Spence (6-2, 251) originally was a second-round pick of Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2016. He spent 2016-18 with Tampa Bay, before later joining Washington ('19) and New Orleans ('19-20). He was released by the Saints on Aug. 16. He has played in 41 career games and has 7.5 sacks, four FFs and a PD.

Dez Bryant Defends Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, Believes the Star Rookie Will Be Just Fine
Chase grew up watching Bryant and other star wide receivers like him dominate opposing cornerbacks. Seeing someone like him come to his defense has to make the rookie feel good, especially with so many people wondering where the drop issues came from?

Bengals not 'down' on Ja'Marr Chase despite rookie WR's struggles with drops
When the Cincinnati Bengals drafted LSU receiver Ja'Marr Chase with the No. 5 overall pick, there were plenty of questions ranging from his fit in the offense to whether or not Cincy should have selected an offensive lineman. However, one question no one at the time was asking was about the rookie's ability to simply catch the ball.

Cincinnati Bengals: 6 hardest cuts for projected 53-man roster
Those exhibitions provided some more clarity on the progression of battles across the roster, so it makes for a good time to step back and outline where things stand.

Bengals rookie Joseph Ossai set to undergo possible season-ending knee surgery, per report
Joseph Ossai had a solid preseason debut, with five quarterback pressures as well as a sack of quarterback Tom Brady. Unfortunately for Ossai and the Bengals, that may be the final game for the rookie linebacker plays in 2021. Ossai is slated to undergo knee surgery for a meniscus injury that is feared to be season-ending, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Ossai felt the injury during the Bengals' preseason win over the Buccaneers.

Around the league

Top 100 Players of 2021, Nos. 20-11: Russell Wilson drops 10 spots to No. 12
It's that time of year again, when NFL players cast their votes to identify the best in the league heading into the 2021 NFL season. Check out the results of this year's voting to see where your favorite players rank.

Kyle Shanahan 'not making that announcement' on 49ers starting QB for Week 1
At the dawn of training camp, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan noted that he expected Jimmy Garoppolo to enter the season as the starting quarterback, reiterating the plan that the club has harped on since drafting Trey Lance back in April.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel says he's positive for COVID-19
Per the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, a fully vaccinated and asymptomatic individual can return to duty after two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. Vrabel, 46, told the media that he needs two negative tests in 48 hours and "if not, it'll be 10 days."

Colts QB Carson Wentz (foot) set to return to practice Monday in limited capacity
Having undergone surgery earlier this month to repair a broken bone in his foot, Wentz is set to return to practice on Monday in a limited capacity, Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich told reporters Sunday.