*The biggest Bengals training camp storylines for 2026*
Camp kicks off July 29 with rookies reporting July 25 and vets July 28. Here are the 5 things everyone’s watching: 028b
*1. Can Burrow + the stars stay healthy?*
This is always #1 in Cincinnati. Over the last 5 years Burrow’s health heading into Week 1 has been a theme.
Burrow said it himself: _”A lot of urgency this year. We have everything we need. We’re deep at just about every position on the team”_.
Zac Taylor’s job is balancing reps – getting the offense chemistry with Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Chase Brown while keeping guys fresh for Sept 13 vs Tampa. 07e4e17d
*2. Year 2 of Al Golden’s defense + the total overhaul*
The defense was historically bad in 2025: 31st overall, 32nd vs run, 26th vs pass. They even lost back-to-back games scoring 37+. 07e4150c
This offseason they went all-in to fix it:
– *DTs*: Traded for *Dexter Lawrence* and signed *Jonathan Allen*
– *Edge*: Lost Trey Hendrickson to Baltimore, but added *Boye Mafe*, rookie *Cashius Howell* 2nd round, plus *Myles Murphy* and *Shemar Stewart*
– *Safety*: Signed *Bryan Cook* to a 3yr/$40.25M deal 82300465e17d70a0
Taylor said the “leadership from the new guys… has been tremendous” and communication stepped up in minicamp. Now we see if it translates in pads. beee
*3. The interior O-Line vs interior D-Line battles*
Tackles Orlando Brown Jr and Amarius Mims are set, but the inside is the question.
Can *Dylan Fairchild* build on year 1? Is *Ted Karras* still solid at 33? Is *Dalton Risner* the RG answer? 37d1
They’ll go head-to-head daily with Lawrence, Allen, B.J. Hill, T.J. Slaton, Kris Jenkins Jr. Iron sharpens iron. 37d1
*4. Who is WR3 behind Chase and Higgins?*
Depth is thin. Names to watch:
– *Andrei Iosivas* – can he finally break out?
– *Colbie Young* – 2026 4th rounder, “has a lot of people excited” and chance to be Day 1 impact
– *Charlie Jones, Mitchell Tinsley* also in the mix 37d10465
*5. Key position battles*
– *Safety #2 next to Bryan Cook*: *Jordan Battle* vs *Kyle Dugger*. Battle had 4 INTs, 3 pick-6s last year but struggled in coverage/tackling. Dugger brings more physicality.
– *Edge rotation*: With Hendrickson gone, who emerges? Mafe, Murphy, Stewart, Howell
– *Slot CB*: Jalen Davis, Josh Newton, Ja’Sir Taylor need to show they don’t need outside help 70a037d160c9
*Other buzz*
– *“No more excuses” year*: Front office spent up to the cap and even restructured Burrow’s deal for $10M in space. Vegas favors them in 15 of 17 games.
– *Potential camp moves*: Still need LB veteran depth and CB help e17d8230150c60c9
*Bottom line*: Offense is basically unchanged and elite. The entire season rides on if this rebuilt defense can get from 31st to average. 150c
Camp practices open to public start July 29, with Friday Night Lights at Paycor Aug 7. 60c9
Which storyline are you most curious about – defense, WR3, or the O-line?
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