Bengals Week 16 Snap Counts: Cincinnati's blowout win made life significantly easier several starters late in the game

Reserves take the field everywhere

Growing a three-point halftime lead to 31 points by the the fourth quarter is the best way possible to protect your starters, and give everyone else on the roster a chance to play. A clearing of the bench in the most positive of ways. Safety Jordan Battle (43), who played more snaps than anyone on the defense aside from fellow safety Geno Stone (43) and Barrett Carter (43), revealed he had never experienced being taken out of a game so early.

"That's first time I ever came out of game that early when I started," Battle said. "So that was good to see the guys get a shot to play too."

The "guys" Battle referred to range from cornerback DJ Ivey (25), defensive tackle Howard Cross III (24), defensive end Isaiah Foskey (17), and linebacker Shaka Heyward (13). Safeties Tycen Anderson (16) and Daijahn Anthony (16) replaced Battle and Stone.

On offense, Joe Burrow (55) and left guard Dylan Fairchild (55) were replaced by Joe Flacco (6) and Jalen Rivers (6), respectively, for the final two drives of the game. Running back Tahj Brooks (6) and wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (4) also got in late. Williams was claimed by the Bengals last Tuesday.

Easing others back in the lineup

Sunday saw the return of not just wide receiver Tee Higgins (38), but also Shemar Stewart (30). Stewart did not start the game, but did see more and more playing time as the afternoon progressed. He had missed the previous five games due to a knee injury. Higgins played 62% of the offense's snaps after missing a week due to his second concussion he suffered in a 14-day span.

Cornerback DJ Turner II (27) had to exit the game as he was playing through the flu. Newton was his direct replacement, and Ivey ended up seeing time at the end when Dax Hill (40) left when the game was out of hand.

Expert analysis on Bengals Week 16 snap counts at Dolphins

• Defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson (34) played the most snaps he's ever taken in a single game. Cincinnati was a bit light at DT with Kris Jenkins Jr. now out for the year.
• Defensive end Cam Sample (21) started for the injured Joseph Ossai but was out-snapped by Cedric Johnson (22) and Stewart.
• Tight end Cam Grandy (5) left during the game due to a sternum injury and is now week-to-week according to head coach Zac Taylor.

This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.