Cincinnati Bengals: 5 players who can make a splash in the preseason
By Glenn Adams
The Cincinnati Bengals currently have 13 players with first or second-year designations who entered the league for the first time in 2020 on the roster. The COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for these players to make an impact due to the lack of preseason games.
Fortunately, preseason games look to be a go this summer (though there will only be three instead of the typical four due to the extra regular-season game) and that’s when these five lesser talked about Bengals can prove themselves to the Bengals and to other teams.
Here are five players to keep an eye on as they look to make an impact this preseason who were unable to last year.
Cincinnati Bengals to watch for in preseason – No. 5: Joe Bachie
Newly acquired linebacker Joe Bachie was picked up off of waivers last week by the Bengals. They were able to secure his services only because of their place in the waiver wire order and they reportedly had some competition.
New Bengals LB Joe Bachie was a popular player on waivers, as the Broncos and Saints also tried to claim the former Michigan State standout.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 27, 2021
Bachie signed with the Saints as a UDFA last year, who attempted to bring him back. Cincy had highest priority.
While at Michigan State, Bachie was a tackling machine. He recorded 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, he added 72 tackles his senior year and finished his career with seven sacks, 28 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
Bachie signed with the New Orleans Saints as a UDRFA but missed out on their final 53. He later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but they released him last week. That’s why he was available for Cincinnati to scoop up.
The linebacker depth is suspect in Cincinnati so Bachie has a legitimate shot to make some noise this summer.