Unsung Bengals WR turns heads with incredible TDs vs. Commanders

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Bobby Price (37) defends during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Unsung Bengals bubble wide receiver turns heads with incredible touchdowns against Commanders

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 10:31 PM ET

It's hard to stand out in the stacked Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver room, but Mitchell Tinsley did just that on Monday against the Washington Commanders.

The 2023 undrafted free agent, who signed a reserve/future contract with the Bengals in February, had a monster first half on "Monday Night Football," capped by two touchdowns in a 20-second span to give Cincinnati a 28-14 lead.

Tinsley finished the first half with five receptions, 73 yards and two touchdowns.

He showed great concentration on both scores, adjusting to catch the back shoulder throw and reaching out to get the ball in front of Commanders cornerback Bobby Price's outstretched arm on his first touchdown.

BIG MITCHELL IN THE END ZONE#CINvsWAS on @espn pic.twitter.com/BeEHMkguXZ
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 19, 2025

After a Commanders turnover, Tinsley added a second touchdown on an even better catch. He nabbed quarterback Jake Browning's throw in the back of the end zone, leaping to grab the ball and showing great awareness by getting both feet down in bounds.

MITCHELL TINSLEY HAVE A DAY!!!! #CINvsWAS on @espn pic.twitter.com/Q7g5xFOKlf
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 19, 2025

Tinsley won't get as many opportunities during the regular season, when Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas will take the top three receiver roles. It's important that he takes advantage of the chances when available, and he certainly did that against the Commanders.

His performance might even give him an edge over other Bengals wideouts vying for a spot when 53-man rosters are due on Aug. 26. Jermaine Burton, a 2024 third-rounder, and Charlie Jones, a 2023 fourth, have done enough to warrant sticking around for another season, and Tinsley has made an excellent case for being the sixth receiver to make the active roster.

Quarterback Joe Burrow is a fan.

"That guy's been making plays all camp," he told ESPN's Laura Rutledge in the third quarter.

"I've been really happy for him. Hopefully, he's secured a spot for us," Burrow added.

After his first half, it's difficult to imagine what else Tinsley would have to prove.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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