Will Bengals Use Final Roster Spot On Tinsley?
The Cincinnati Bengals have until 4:00 this Tuesday to fill one final roster spot in 2025 , and there’s much speculation about who will get it. One name who’s getting more attention than others is receiver Mitchell Tinsley.
Would this even make sense, though, with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins already on the roster? Here’s a look at why Tinsley should get the final spot, including his rookie season, preseason performance, and how he would fit in with the Bengals.
Tinsley’s Early Career
Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck (36) breaks a pass intended to Washington Commanders wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (18) during the third quarter of a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Entering the league in 2023 undrafted out of Penn State, Tinsley’s first season in Washington was unremarkable (which is being generous), and he didn’t play in 2024. In the three games he played in 2023, he was in only three percent of offensive snaps and 14 percent of special teams snaps.
Although it was still Tinsley’s rookie season, these stats indicate that he wasn’t given much of a chance. Whether that was just or not, when given a chance in Cincinnati this season, he showed he can be an effective contributor.
2025 Pre-Season Stunner
In his first two games as a Bengal, Tinsley stood out for his play on the field. Against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first pre-season game, he caught one pass for a fifteen-yard gain.
The second game against his former team, however, was his real breakout moment. Playing a major role in the team’s offense, he hauled in five receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
What’s impressive isn’t just the numbers Tinsley accumulated, but how he was able to do so. At six-foot-one and around 200 pounds, he has surprising quickness and showed exquisite footwork.
Tinsley’s play even impressed Joe Burrow, in a moment that could only help his chances of making the team. Considering Cincinnati already has five receivers, though, will the team take a chance on the impressive second-year player?
Role With Bengals
Aug 18, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (82) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
It may seem like six receivers are a lot, but when looking at the Bengals’ receiving group, it actually would make a lot of sense. Aside from Chase and Higgins, the receiving room is rounded out by Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, and Charlie Jones.
Iosivas is entering his third year, improving on a steady incline, and Burton is entering his second in what is a sort of redemption year after a tumultuous rookie season. Jones, on the other hand, despite making some preseason plays, should continue to be used almost exclusively in return roles.
This creates an interesting situation for Tinsley, where he would technically enter as the final receiver but could easily work his way up. The ability he’s put on display is on par (if not exceeding) what Burton has shown he can do, and Higgins hasn’t played in more than 14 games in a season.
While Tisley may not start at the top of the depth chart, circumstances will likely place him within the top three at some point. This alone is enticing enough to keep him around, but when considering how he’s played, he might be held on to for his future potential.
Five receivers may seem like enough, especially on a team in desperate need of defensive improvement, but Tinsley’s the kind of player who could keep championship aspirations alive in case of injury. This is particularly vital when looking at the entire group, as injuries and other issues have historically played a big role in their careers.
This could very well change in 2025, with every receiver remaining healthy and available for every single game. Even in this scenario, though, Tinsley would still have a chance to ascend through his play. Other players would be deserving of the roster spot, but Tinsley’s play has all but ensured that he will be playing for Cincinnati in 2025.
End Of My Bengals Mitchell Tinsley Rant
Although Tinsley didn’t do much in his rookie season, he’s proved to be an extremely talented receiver in the 2025 preseason. With the way he played and the concerns that surround the Bengals’ receivers, using the final roster spot on him feels like a no-brainer.
Sure, Cincinnati’s defense could use some bolstering, but the addition of Tinsley is a ceiling-raising move that could help this offense become the best in the league. The Bengals already have two of the best receivers in Chase and Higgins, and adding a player with the potential of Tinsley is an opportunity that’s too good to pass up.
