Based on what he’s done in the preseason, leading the Bengals with 3.5 sacks in his newfound hybrid role as a linebacker and defensive end, it’s hard to imagine Carter not making the 53-man roster.
But some of the final spots at other positions are not such an easy call.
Here is my projected 53-man roster.
Quarterback (2): Andy Dalton, AJ McCarron.
Cut: Keith Wenning
This one is cut and dry. Since the Dalton era began in 2011, the Bengals have only kept two quarterbacks. Wenning, a Coldwater High graduate, could end up on the practice squad if one or two of the players the Bengals cut today get signed by other teams.
Running back (5): Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard, Rex Burkhead, Cedric Peerman, Ryan Hewitt.
Cut: James Wilder Jr., Terrell Watson
Wilder Jr. and Watson both ran well in the preseason, but there simply isn’t any room in a crowded backfield that features a solid special teams player like Peerman and a guy in Burkhead whose versatility as a slot receiver is so valuable.
Wide receivers (5): A.J. Green, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, Brandon Tate.
Cut: Greg Little, Jake Kumerow, Michael Bennett
IR: James Wright, Onterio McCalebb
Head coach Marvin Lewis pretty much made it official with his comments about Tate after Thursday’s game in Indianapolis, saying “he’s been a very valuable member of our football team and will be again this season.” Burkhead’s ability to line up in the slot will allow the Bengals to keep five instead of six, costing Little a spot.
Tight ends (3): Tyler Eifert, Tyler Kroft, C.J.Uzomah
Cut: Matt Lengel
Another fairly easy, straight-forward decision. Lengel has a good chance to make the practice squad.
Offensive line (9): Andrew Whitworth, Andre Smith, Kevin Zeitler, Clint Boling, Russell Bodine, Eric Winston Jake Fisher, T.J. Johnson, Trey Hopkins
Cut: Dan France, Jake Smith, Tanner Hawkinson, Matt O'Donnell
PUP: Cedric Ogbuehi
France got a lot of work in the preseason, and while he had some struggles, he should be practice squad material, as should Smith.
Defensive line (10): Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Wallace Gilberry, Brandon Thompson, Pat Sims, Margus Hunt, Will Clarke, Marcus Hardison
Cut: Devon Still, DeShawn Williams
Speaking at the Colts game Thursday, Still was confident he had done enough to make the team. And he’s probably right. It’s just not this team. The fact that he’s played well combined with his daughter’s battle with cancer makes this a tough cut, but the coaches insisted the decision would be made on football merits alone, and Hardison and Hunt appear to have bigger upsides.
Linebacker (7): Rey Maualuga, A.J. Hawk, Emmanuel Lamur, Vinny Rey, P.J. Dawson, Chris Carter, Marquis Flowers
Cut: Jayson DiManche, Trevor Roach
PUP: Vontaze Burfict, Sean Porter
The uncertainty surrounding Burfict makes this a tough one to call. The Bengals haven’t placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list yet, but it seems unlikely he’ll be ready to go before the seventh game, so expect that move to come today. If it doesn’t, it’s going to cost either Carter or Flowers a spot. Most likely it’s Flowers.
Cornerbacks (5): Dre Kirkpatrick, Adam Jones, Darqueze Dennard, Leon Hall, Josh Shaw
Cut: Troy Hill, Chris Lewis-Harris, Brandon Ghee
Lewis-Harris had a great game against the Colts and has found a way to stick around the last few years, but his time likely has run out. Hill will be a solid addition to the practice squad.
Safeties (4): Reggie Nelson, George Iloka, Shawn Williams, Derron Smith
Cut: Shiloh Keo
The Bengals have Keo ahead of Smith on the depth chart and he entered the preseason games first, but Smith really stood out in training camp and might be too risky to expose to waivers in hopes of stashing him on the practice squad.
Specialists (3): Mike Nugent, Kevin Huber, Clark Harris
Cut: Tom Obarski
One of the few easy, clear-cut calls. This group has been excelling together since 2009.
About the Author