A bold strategy for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has come to an end. The Bengals prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3 of the preseason, each team’s final game ahead of the regular season.
After slow starts to their regular season, Taylor decided to switch things up in 2025. He gave the starters valuable reps during preseason games, a decision that could prove to be a difference maker. That remains to be seen, but now he’s put it to rest.
Zac Taylor Opens Up as to Why Starters Will Not Play in Preseason Finale
Taylor made up his mind days ago as it’s clear the Bengals’ HC doesn’t want to take any chances this close to the regular season. With Week 1 roughly two weeks away, the Bengals are going to take things easy at Paycor Stadium.
While they lost 34-27 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the Bengals took down the Washington Commanders, 31-17 last week. Their 14-point win was a step in the right direction as numerous key names stepped up once the starters took a seat.
QB1, checked in. pic.twitter.com/ZdxKSG58ZJ
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 23, 2025
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Heading into the Colts matchup, Taylor isn’t risking it, “I haven’t talked in depth with the players about this third game. I’ve talked to Joe [Burrow], I haven’t specifically told these guys they’re not playing. But they’re not playing.”
That quote came a few days ago during a press conference with the Bengals HC. He later added, “I feel good about where our team’s at right now. So, again, I’m excited to get through the preseason and go play games because I see what I see in practice. So, I’m just really excited, from top to bottom, about a lot of the players we have.”
Names to Watch in the Bengals Preseason Finale
Jake Browning continued to prove he’s a solid QB2 as Mitchell Tinsley stole the show last week. Tinsley, who wears the No. 82, is in his second NFL season. He has six receptions for 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns this preseason. Shockingly, most of those came last week.
Tinsley broke out in one of the best preseason performances this season. He hauled in five of his six targets for 73 yards and two touchdowns. While Joe Burrow had one of his own in 14 pass attempts, Tinsley gained everyone on the benches attention.
The boys are back. pic.twitter.com/Cn6RwGkwlK
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 23, 2025
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Tahj Brooks has another chance to climb up the depth charts. Currently listed as RB3, Brooks exploded for a 14 yard carry en route to a 47 yard performance against the Commanders. His 11 carries was the most on the team. He heads into the Colts matchup with 21 attempts for 73 yards.
Shaka Heyward and Barrett Carter are a pair of key linebackers for this Bengals defense. While neither is a starter, they were both tied with a game high seven tackles. Not only that, but each had a tackle for loss. Heyward enters his second season in the league while Carter was Cincinnati’s No. 119 overall pick.
Bralyn Lux is one of many players fighting for a roster spot. He was one of nine Bengals players to finish with three or more tackles last week. Ultimately, his spot as LCB4 is up in the air as the rookie looks to avoid cut-day.
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