Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley made the most of his opportunity Monday night, strengthening his bid for a roster spot in a 31-17 preseason victory over Washington.
The former undrafted free agent caught two first-half touchdowns and led Cincinnati with five receptions for 73 yards. His performance caught the attention of head coach Zac Taylor, who had already made him a captain for the matchup against his former team.
“Baller,” Taylor told NFL.com’s Kevin Patra after the game. “Yeah, he just works hard. He’s become a guy that everybody really respects in the locker room. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard him speak… He just goes out there and just works, and we respect that. And again, he created the opportunities for himself… He rewarded himself with touchdowns and catches and extending drives and someone that’s reliable for the quarterbacks in August.”
From practice squad to preseason standout
Tinsley’s road to Monday’s breakout has been anything but easy. After appearing in two games for Washington in 2023, he spent all of 2024 on their practice squad. The Bengals signed him to a futures deal this offseason, giving him another chance to prove himself at the NFL level.
Against his former club, the 25-year-old delivered. His second touchdown came just before halftime, a toe-tapping grab in the corner of the end zone that showcased his awareness and ball skills.
“It’s a step in the right direction, but for me, I try not to focus on all that,” Tinsley said after the game. “I know I put a lot of work in during the offseason and into my craft. Really, it all just came down to me coming out here and executing.”
Burrow’s endorsement
Quarterback Joe Burrow was asked postgame if he thought Tinsley had done enough to make the roster. His answer was simple: “Sure hope so.”
Cincinnati’s wide receiver group is among the deepest in the league, led by Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. Young players like Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones are also competing for depth roles, making the competition fierce.
Still, Tinsley’s preseason production and Taylor’s praise suggest he has carved out a real chance to stick. Even if the Bengals’ depth chart proves too crowded, his showing may be enough to earn him a spot somewhere in the league.
What’s next
With roster cuts looming, Tinsley’s name is one to watch. His ability to separate, high-point the ball, and finish plays in the end zone has stood out in August. Whether in Cincinnati or elsewhere, he has shown he belongs on an NFL roster in 2025.