Bengals Practice Takeaways Ft. Cashius Howell & Tacario Davis + Reds Rally In Extras To Beat Chicago

With the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason opener approaching, the team’s seven-player 2026 rookie class has produced some encouraging signs through the first stretch of training camp. The biggest standout has been second-round edge rusher Cashius Howell. The Texas A&M product has consistently created pressure against second-team offensive linemen and earned opportunities with the starters. His most impressive practice came when he overwhelmed veteran left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., driving him backward and finishing the rep with a sack-like takedown. Howell’s explosiveness has quickly made him one of the most intriguing young players on the roster.

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Fourth-round wide receiver Colbie Young has also generated significant buzz. The big-bodied Georgia product has shown a knack for winning contested catches and beating single coverage, putting himself into the conversation for the open WR3 job behind Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Young still needs to show more consistent separation, but his physicality and reliability have made him one of camp’s more pleasant surprises.

Center Connor Lew has had a quieter camp. Injury concerns have limited his development, but he recently received a surprising look with the first-team offense, suggesting the Bengals still view him as an important part of their future interior line.

Brian Parker II has quietly benefited from his versatility. The sixth-round pick can play tackle, guard or center, giving him a legitimate path to the roster as an offensive-line utility player. Jack Endries faces a tougher battle at tight end, but his opportunity has increased with Erick All Jr. sidelined.

Tacario Davis has received less individual attention than Howell, while Landon Robinson has been relatively steady rather than spectacular. Both remain developmental prospects with opportunities to make their biggest impressions in preseason action.

Overall, Howell and Young have clearly been the class leaders so far, while Lew, Parker, Endries, Davis and Robinson still have plenty of preseason opportunities to strengthen their cases.

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