Why Bengals Rookie Cashius Howell Didn't Play Against Bears

During media availability, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor explained why the defensive rookie didn’t play.

“Yeah, just decided to hold him out,” Taylor said. “He’s got a ton of eyes over the last couple of weeks; that held him out.”

Cashius Howell Could Play Key Role for Bengals Defense

Managing reps seems to be a part of the Bengals’ plan for Howell during the preseason.

Taylor said Howell got plenty of reps in practice. He also said the second-round pick was spotted with a limp, though Taylor said holding him out wasn’t injury-related.

Howell, whom the Bengals selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is one of the players competing for a role along the defensive line.

In his absence, others got a look in the backup defensive tackle battle as the final weeks of preseason approached.

Still, due to his draft position, he’ll have enough of a chance to play for the role as training camp continues.

Howell is one of the other rookies who reportedly made a strong impression during training camp. For the Bengals, if he can provide the defense a massive boost, then there’s a reason to believe he could play an important role for Cincinnati this season.

The Bengals struggled last season on defense, particularly in generating consistent pressure. Howell can provide another young, talented piece along the defensive line and help strengthen the unit.

He and the Bengals are off on Sunday before gearing up for another week of training camp.