Key members of the Cincinnati Bengals roster need big showings in the second preseason game of the summer.
Those players include guys fighting for starting spots and also players just trying to make the final 53-man roster.
Here’s a look at players who need strong games against the Bears.
CB Dax Hill
The former first-rounder has predictably excelled at boundary corner given his athletic profile and history. He’s already leapfrogged into the first-team defense across from Cam Taylor-Britt. But he’s also one of the only “starters” playing in the second game — he still needs to keep proving himself.
CB DJ Turner
The former second-rounder has now fallen behind Hill for the outsider starting spot. But he’ll get plenty of run over the weekend to show why that’s a mistake.
DE Cedric Johnson
Injuries to the likes of Cam Sample and the retirement of Jeff Gunter have opened up a path to the final 53 for Johnson. But he’ll still have to go out there and prove he deserves it.
WR Jermaine Burton
The hyped rookie put on a show in the first preseason game. But there’s a reason he was only on the field so late in the game. We may not know that reason, but it’s clear the coaching staff wants to see him do more.
OL Matt Lee
Another late-round rookie, Lee has put himself in a position to knock Trey Hill out of a final roster spot. But if he can manage it, he might be in the conversation as the eventual starting center in a few years.
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