Bengals’ backups shine in 27-9 preseason win over Bears

CINCINNATI — The NFL regular season is inching closer, and the Cincinnati Bengals are getting another chance to evaluate their roster with Week 2 of the preseason underway.

The Bengals hosted the Chicago Bears Saturday night at Paycor Stadium in their second preseason game of the 2026 season, coming off a Week 1 victory.

Cincinnati sat its starters, while Chicago opened the game with its first-team offense on the field.

The Bengals' backup defense held Chicago to a field goal on its opening possession. Caleb Williams missed tight end Colston Loveland on a potential touchdown, and Chicago settled for three points.

Cincinnati answered with a strong opening drive led by quarterback Josh Johnson. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 55 yards, repeatedly connecting with Dohnte Meyers. Johnson also picked up a key first down with his legs, running seven yards on third-and-2 from the Chicago 19.

Both teams traded field goals in the first quarter, with the game tied 3-3.

Cincinnati's backup offensive line struggled at times to protect Johnson. Cody Ford was flagged for holding, while Jalen Rivers was beaten by Dayo Odeyingbo, who delivered a big hit on Johnson.

Chicago took a 6-3 lead early in the second quarter before Cincinnati responded with a 59-yard touchdown drive. Johnson found rookie wide receiver Colbie Young for a 17-yard score with 4:25 left in the half.

Johnson added another touchdown just before halftime, connecting with Tanner Hudson for a 6-yard score. Chicago answered with a 44-yard Cairo Santos field goal as time expired.

Cincinnati led 17-9 at halftime.

The touchdown production continued after the break, with Sean Clifford taking over at quarterback for Cincinnati.

The Bengals opened the second half with a six-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to rookie wide receiver Noah Thomas. The score pushed Cincinnati's lead to 24-9.

The Bengals also made an impact defensively in the third quarter. Rookie defensive tackle Landon Robinson, a seventh-round pick out of Navy in the 2026 NFL Draft, recorded his first sack of the night against Bears quarterback Miller Moss.

Robinson dropped Moss for a 12-yard loss on third-and-3 and celebrated with a salute. Chicago punted on the following play.

Cincinnati carried a 24-9 lead into the fourth quarter.

Less than a minute into the final quarter, Evan McPherson drilled a 58-yard field goal with plenty of room to spare, extending the Bengals’ lead to 27-9.