Bengals CB Josh Newton is facing a brutal training camp reality

It shouldn't be so hard for Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton to get some quality reps at training camp, yet it's proving to be. Who knows what the situation is behind the scenes, but Newton has struggled to even run with second-team defense during Bengals training camp.

Is this more a function of how promising third-round rookie Tacario Davis is? Or is it a bad sign that doesn't bode well for Newton's chances to makes the 53-man roster?

Turns out, it may be a little of both at play here. And that's as much a mystery as it is a shame.

Newton's law of inertia in play as Zac Taylor buries 'Fig' on Bengals CB depth chart

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic shared a discouraging recent update on Josh Newton, which crushes all the momentum he seemingly generated earlier in the offseason program:

"The second-string group hasn’t changed. Often you'll see rotations from day to day or even drill to drill in a true competition. Instead, DJ Ivey and Tacario Davis outside and Ja’Sir Taylor in the slot have taken nearly all the second-team reps. Josh Newton remains in the same doghouse that kept his snaps limited down the stretch last season."

Newton seemingly generated momentum earlier this offseason, when he cut in front of Tee Higgins' out-breaking route to nab an interception off Joe Burrow. The boisterous reaction from Newton's teammates would make you think nothing was amiss, and that he was on a promising trajectory:

Also worth noting is the fact that Newton, by PFF's count, has allowed only a 56.3% completion rate and 89.9 passer rating on 71 NFL targets. That's pretty darn good, no?

Does Newton need to clean up his tackling form? Absolutely. Does that seem teachable? Forsheed indeed.

It would appear the Bengals have lost patience with "Fig", perhaps because he doesn't want to learn and wants opportunities handed to him. Meanwhile, all Davis is doing out there is making the most of his reps, and past seventh-round pick D.J. Ivey appears to be relishing the chance to play with the No. 2 defensive unit.

If Dehner's characterization about Newton being in the doghouse is correct, well, that means Cincinnati must be confident in its cornerback depth. Many still view that as a question mark. I have not at all, especially knowing Dax Hill will for sure start at boundary cornerback opposite DJ Turner.

But my lack of worry was operating under the assumption that Newton would be a factor, and that 2025 undrafted free agent Bralyn Lux is a capable slot corner, given that he got a bit of run with the No. 1 defense during minicamp.

The latest report suggests Ja'Sir Taylor has the edge on Lux for the second-string nickel spot. And yes, that Newton is fighting for a roster spot. No matter.

The Bengals have plenty of defensive backs capable of aligning at the nickel an dime spots, with Jalen Davis as the primary slot corner. Their Dexter Lawrence-led, transformed d-line will make the secondary's job easier, too.

I mean shoot, if I'm wrong about Newton being an asset to this team, so be it. The organization had the sense to move off Cam Taylor-Britt, whose presence in the cornerback room was a black hole last season and delayed Dax's move back to the perimeter from the slot.

If this were the Bengals of yesteryear, I might be throwing a bit of a fit, wondering why Newton wasn't getting more run at camp. Not anymore. This feels like a well-oiled operation, armed (for once) with a competent defense. The more reps Tacario Davis can get, the better for his development. It just looks like Newton may be an odd man out once final roster cuts go down.

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