Cincinnati announced six open training camp practices beginning July 29 at the Kettering Health Practice Fields, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. and practice running from 10 a.m. to noon. Additional dates are reserved for season-ticket holders and STREAK Club members.
The schedule itself is straightforward, but the key question is who will benefit most from these opportunities.
Coming off a 2025 season in which Joe Burrow threw 17 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in just eight games before injury cut his campaign short, every repetition during the July and August practices carries heightened significance. The Bengals enter camp with $16.47 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, a 2026 draft class that added seven rookies, and a roster that general manager Duke Tobin described on June 5 as having "pretty good groups at every position."
Let's break down the main storylines heading into training camp.
Backfield Hierarchy Needs Sorting
Chase Brown was a workhorse in 2025, carrying the ball 232 times for 1,019 yards and six touchdowns. While his role as the starter is clear, the depth behind him remains unsettled.
Samaje Perine handled 84 carries for 382 yards and three touchdowns, plus 17 receptions for 87 yards in 2025. However, at 31 years old, durability and age may factor into his outlook. Tahj Brooks, entering his second year, saw a limited role last season with 16 carries for 45 rushing yards and a single reception for 9 yards across 16 games. Gary Brightwell did not record a rushing attempt last year.
The battle for the RB2 spot and passing-down duties should be one of the more compelling position competitions during camp. With six open practices totaling 12 hours of live evaluation, the coaching staff will have ample opportunity to assess whether Brooks has progressed enough to challenge Perine or whether the veteran remains the reliable option.
If no clear pecking order emerges, the Bengals have enough salary cap flexibility to consider adding a veteran back before roster cutdowns.
Defensive Line Rotation Gets a Test
General manager Duke Tobin remarked on June 5, "We didn't have enough finishers last year. This year, we think we do." He added, "You never have enough defensive line and defensive tackles."
The Bengals have heavily invested in their defensive front during recent drafts with first-round pick Myles Murphy (2023), plus second- and third-round selections such as McKinnley Jackson (2024 third round), Kris Jenkins Jr. (2024 second round), Shemar Stewart (2025 second round), and newcomer Cashius Howell (2026 second round, No. 41 overall). Veteran Jonathan Allen also anchors the group alongside B.J. Hill.
The competition at defensive end is wide open. Howell, the 2026 second-round pick from Texas A&M, has an immediate opportunity to carve out a role alongside veterans Murphy, Stewart, Boye Mafe, and Isaiah Foskey. Tobin emphasized post-draft, "We get immediate impact instead of impact as we go," presenting a clear mandate for Howell to contribute right away.
The open practices should provide defensive coordinator Al Golden with a clearer picture of how he intends to rotate this deep defensive line group and assign snap counts.
Cornerback Depth Behind DJ Turner II
The Bengals' cornerback room features rising talent DJ Turner II, supported by Dax Hill and others. The 2026 third-round pick Tacario Davis from Washington adds another intriguing element to this group.
Head coach Zac Taylor praised Davis as a cornerback "with that kind of length" who complements DJ Turner well. The rookie enters camp with a real chance to earn playing time given the team's history of early trust in secondary rookies. Both Hill and Turner logged significant snaps as true rookies in previous seasons.
Davis will compete primarily with Jalen Davis, Josh Newton, and DJ Ivey for depth snaps. Newton, who saw rotational duty as a rookie in 2024, remains a contender but has yet to secure a definitive role.
Quarterback Depth and Burrow's Recovery
Joe Burrow's 2025 season ended prematurely after eight games. In that span, he completed 173 of 259 passes for 1,809 yards with 17 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, exhibiting impressive production but raising durability questions.
The Bengals' backups include Joe Flacco, Sean Clifford, and Josh Johnson. Flacco threw 2 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in four games last season with Cleveland, while Johnson completed 34 of 54 passes for one touchdown and two interceptions with Washington.
Neither Flacco nor Johnson is a long-term solution should Burrow miss time, placing immense importance on Burrow's health and performance in training camp. The Bengals will closely manage his reps to safeguard his recovery. Limited activity during open practices would not be alarming, but multiple absences from sessions could signal caution.
Closing Thoughts
The six public practices provide fans a window into critical roster battles that will shape Cincinnati's 2026 season. Of highest interest is the defensive line, where the Bengals' recent investments must translate into greater production and consistency.
If rookies like Cashius Howell and the interior defensive linemen can make an impact, the defense could surpass last year's performance. However, if the line remains a weak point despite increased depth, the team's roster-building strategy may require reassessment.
Cincinnati's blend of talent and salary cap flexibility positions them well to contend next season. Nonetheless, the margin for error during training camp is slim. Every practice rep counts, and the open sessions offer exactly six chances for the Bengals to demonstrate their progress to the public.
