The Cincinnati Bengals offered up a few surprises for fans during final cuts on the way to formulating the final 53-man roster.
Some of those surprises were cuts, such as letting loose veteran safety Michael Thomas (temporarily, at least) and preseason breakout defensive end Raymond Johnson III.
Another surprise — of the good variety — was two rookies managing to win starting jobs on a stacked roster that has made two consecutive AFC title games.
Given the presence of a waiver wire and adding names to a practice squad right after the final cuts process, it was an active time for fans on social media.
Here’s a look at some of the best reactions.
The main surprise I have for the 53 man roster is Trey Hill making it and Stanley Morgan being cut
— mike (@bengals_sans) August 29, 2023
Yep, didn't see Jay Tufele over Raymond Johnson and Jeff Gunter coming
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) August 29, 2023
Losing Joseph Ossai to preseason injury over like 10 snaps and then cutting Raymond Johnson feels risky. Maybe they're confident RJ will be back on PS.
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) August 29, 2023
Some takeaways on the Bengals’ cuts
-The Bengals kept as much offensive line depth as they could. The plan to protect Burrow also includes moves on the back of the roster, and the Bengals kept guys like Hill and Collins in the building to give themselves the best depth that they…
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 29, 2023
Bailey Zappe would certainly fit the role of developmental backup QB if the #Bengals wanted to go that route.
Truly a questionable cut from the #Patriots this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/t2md7axM2Z
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) August 29, 2023
That's now three straight Michigan wins over Ohio State as Chrisman gets cut. #Bengals https://t.co/66KOb6yDVC
— Austin Elmore (@autyelmore) August 29, 2023
If the Bengals cut Tufele like so many are predicting, that would be a huge mistake
— Jay R (@JayRBP) August 28, 2023
smart move keeping that joe burrow guy
— Jordan Keen (@JTKeen11) August 29, 2023
Please announce Burrow and Higgins contract extensions next. 🙏🏻
— Alex Head (@alexwhodey) August 29, 2023
Congratulations @AndreiIosivas ! Now I have a real reason to be a Bengals fan.
Will be watching and cheering for you (especially when you beat those Browns.) https://t.co/ge0zSjeOi6— Barbara Zban Flinn 🇺🇸 (@BZFlinn) August 29, 2023
Oldest Player on the Bengals initial 53-man roster – Ted Karras (30.4)
Sorry, @_teddy_k
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) August 30, 2023
WR Stanley Morgan Jr and TE Tanner Hudson among notable players left off the #Bengals initial 53-man roster. https://t.co/B1jbs8IVke
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) August 29, 2023
Our Bengals 2023 53-MAN Roster!!@Bengals #Bengals #RuleTheJungle
WHO DEY! pic.twitter.com/bvt09FCtHf
— Jennifer Schultz (@Jennife45487237) August 30, 2023
Based on the initial 53 man roster (and assuming no waiver claims and/or further roster maneuvering – IR, etc), I think the following 5 Bengals will be inactive Week 1 at Cleveland:
C Trey Hill
OT D'Ante Smith
DL Jay Tufele
DE Joseph Ossai
RB Trayveon Williams— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) August 29, 2023
Congrats to @PunahouSchool grad and former Princeton WR Andrei Iosivas for making the #Bengals 53-man roster 🤙 pic.twitter.com/eCcJDrLfCm
— Ku'ulei (@KuuleiAgbayani) August 29, 2023
Former #Cowboys quarterback Will Grier will be signing to the #Bengals practice squad today per @AdamSchefter
The QB threw for over 300 yards, 2 TDs, and rushed for 53 yards, scoring twice 🏈
Cincinnati needed depth behind Burrow—now they have it 🤟 pic.twitter.com/bMcfEKlbOj
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 30, 2023
ANNOUNCE JOE BURROWS CONTRACT ALREADY
— JOE BURROW STAN 🥇 🔜 💍 (@Daveasourus) August 29, 2023
I’m officially older than every Bengals player on their 53-man roster 👴🏼👴🏼👴🏼 https://t.co/AKMwH9j5oH
— Keith M. Hellebrand (@KHellebrand) August 30, 2023
Big picture from Zac Taylor: “This is the strongest 53-man roster we’ve had from top to bottom.” #Bengals @WLWT
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) August 29, 2023
The Bengals should let Max Scharping also be the backup center and then release Trey Hill. 9 OL on the 53 man roster is enough.
— Andre (@AndreBengals) August 30, 2023
Taylor said decisions regarding Stanley Morgan and Michael Thomas were extremely difficult to make. Said getting the roster down to 53 was "the hardest" it's been in his five years because the quality of the players is even better. #Bengals
— Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) August 29, 2023
Future Pro Bowler DJ Ivey make the Bengals 53!!
Coaches always told us. Congrats 🙌🏼
— Orange Bowl Boys 🎧 #OBB (@OrangeBowlBoys) August 30, 2023
Everyone one of #Bengals 2023 draft class make it to the 53-man roster. Love to see it
— Peter Dadswell (@Dadders) August 29, 2023
After the 53-man roster is made… #Bengals still lack any real starter at Tight End… Still not too high on the RB room after Mixon & we can't afford ANY injuries in the secondary.
— Shawn (@osu45804) August 29, 2023
I called it. @divey8_ made the 53. I been telling y’all. #Bengals #WhoDey #RuleTheJungle
— Joe (@muskiesfan) August 29, 2023
