The Bengals offered a first glimpse of their 2025 depth chart Sunday with Thursday night's preseason opener (7:30-Cincinnati's FOX 19) looming in Philadelphia.
The coaches consider the first depth chart of a season not worth the paper it's printed on because of unfinished training camp battles, but it's compulsory during a game week and is largely crafted by the Bengals' public relations department.
This one has few surprises with Dax Hill listed as the starting slot cornerback, even though he's being eased in at the end of his ACL recovery. He's backed up by Josh Newton, who is having a terrific camp. Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Turner are the starting outside cornerbacks.
Lucas Patrick, the veteran the Bengals signed in free agency, is listed as the starting right guard. But that's believed to be an evolving situation with Patrick in a tight race with Cody Ford.
Two rookies, second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., and third-round left guard Dylan Fairchild, are listed as starters. First-round pick Shemar Stwart, who is ending his first week of practice drawing raves while moving inside and out, backs up Myles Murphy at left end.
Incumbent long-snapper Cal Adomitis gets the nod over college free agent William Wagner.
