Bengals vs. Lions Inactives: McKinnley Jackson to make 2025 debut after roster changes

The Cincinnati Bengals are getting ready for kickoff against the Detroit Lions. Before the game begins, each team has released their inactive players list.

Here are the Bengals players who will not play against the Lions:

• WR Jermaine Burton
• TE Cam Grandy
• DT Jordan Jefferson
• DE Shemar Stewart
• CB Marco Wilson

McKinnley Jackson dresses for the first time this season

Jackson has been a healthy scratch for the first four weeks of the season. The team has carrie six defensive tackles for most of the year thus far, and Jackson has been at the bottom of the depth chart. That changes this week after Cincinnati waived Howard Cross III and claimed Jefferson off waivers.

Jefferson only being on the team for about 48 hours is the reason why he isn't playing, which gives Jackson the chance to play for the first time.

Charlie Jones will play despite not practicing during the week

Jones suffered an Achilles injury during Week 4. He ended up missing all week of practice and was listed as questionable to play.

The Bengals preserved Jones throughout the week to keep him fresh to play. He's their primary kickoff returner, and therefore needed for that specific role.

With Jones playing, Burton will be a healthy scratch yet again. Burton has yet to dress this season.

Stewart is the only player out this week with an injury. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. Grandy and Wilson are healthy scratches.