The 2023 NFL season is closing in and while there are no NFL games today, Cincinnati Bengals training camp is right around the corner. Here, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the Bengals training camp this summer.
This is a different era of football in Cincinnati. Since taking over as the starting quarterback, the Bengals are 24-17-1 with Joe Burrow in the lineup. He’s coming off an MVP-caliber season, plays for one of the best NFL offenses and is supported by a strong coaching staff. Heading into 2023, Cincinnati has all the makings of a Super Bowl contender and the road starts at training camp.
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Let’s dive into our preview for the Bengals’ training camp, including the top storylines to watch, FAQ for fans and the full schedule.
Cincinnati Bengals training camp schedule
The Cincinnati Bengals training camp schedule begins on Wednesday, July 26 just like so many teams around the NFL. Many of Cincinnati’s practices will be open to the public. Here’s a rundown of the full Bengals training camp schedule. The listed times are for practices, gates will open for fans at either 1 or 1:30 PM.
- July 26 – 2:15-3:55 PM
- July 27 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- July 28 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- July 29 – 2:15-4:10 PM – Back Together Weekend in Paycor Stadium (ticket required)
- July 31 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- Aug. 1 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- Aug. 3 – 2:15-4:40 PM
- Aug. 4 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- Aug. 6 – 2:15-4:10 PM
- Aug. 7 – 2:15-3:55 PM
- Aug. 9 – Joint Practice with Green Bay Packers – 2:15-4:30 PM (ticket required)
- Aug. 13 – Season Ticket & Waitlist Members only – 2:15-4:10 PM (ticket required)
- Aug. 14 – Season Ticket & Waitlist Members only – 2:15-4:10 PM (ticket required)
- Aug. 16 – Season Ticket & Waitlist Members only – 2:15-4:10 PM (ticket required)
Cincinnati Bengals training camp storylines
Bengals’ new look safety tandem must step up
Cincinnati knew before the offseason began that it would lose top safety Jessie Bates to free agency. However, the front office hoped it could retain Vonn Bell. Instead, both are gone and the Bengals’ secondary will look quite different in 2023 as a result.
It’s not exactly a group the Bengals’ coaching staff can have a ton of confidence in heading into training camp. Projected starting free safety Nick Scott’s career-high PFF grade (66.9) came in 2019 and he’s been a below-average player ever since, especially against the pass (106.5 QB rating allowed when targeted). Meanwhile, 2022 first-round pick Daxton Hill only played 64 defensive snaps in 15-of-16 games last year. We do like rookie Jordan Battle, but there’s a sharp learning curve for rookie defensive backs and this could be a major Achilles heel of Cincinnati’s defense.
Monitoring Chidobe Awuzie’s return from ACL tear
Chidobe Awuzie remains one of the most underrated defensive backs in the NFL. The 6-foot cornerback has been an integral part of Cincinnati’s success defensively, especially against elite quarterbacks. However, he suffered an ACL tear on Oct. 31, 2022, and the first season back from that at a position that requires a lot of change of direction can be challenging.
Fortunately, per Paul Dehner Jr of The Athletic, Awuzie looked incredible during the offseason training and he’s on track to be at 100 percent for Week 1. The Bengals will play it safe with his reps in training camp, but the early reports are promising. One thing is for certain, Cincinnati desperately needs Awuzie to be at his best because it’s now worse at safety and No. 2 cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt can’t handle No. 1 receivers.
Bengals’ running backs under the spotlight
Reports throughout the offseason made it seem like Cincinnati was prepared to cut Joe Mixon. Then, Samaje Perine signed with the Denver Broncos and suddenly the Bengals’ preferred option to replace Mixon was gone. Ultimately, the front office and coaching staff decided to keep Mixon on the roster despite an offseason where he made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
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For now, he’s on the roster but circumstances can change. Trayveon Williams is expected to take on a larger role this year and incoming rookie Chase Brown could push for touches. If either running back impresses early in training camp or Mixon won’t take a pay cut and the Bengals’ are provided with a reason to swap him out for a better running back, this backfield will change.
Looming contracts extensions for Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow and more
It’s the biggest storyline in Cincinnati heading into training camp. Contract negotiations with Burrow are already underway, but a deal isn’t imminent. The Bengals are ready to make him one of the highest-paid NFL players, but a resolution isn’t days away. Cincinnati also feels some pressure because it also wants to extend wide receiver Tee Higgins and linebacker Logan Wilson to contract extensions. Those contract talks are the priorities, but resolutions are crucial so the Bengals can gain long-term clarity on their cap space to know about future deals for Awuzie and Ja’Marr Chase. Deals will be signed this summer, likely two, it’s only a matter of when and for how much.
FAQ for Bengals training camp
Where is Bengals training camp 2023?
The Cincinnati Bengals hold training camp at the Kettering Health Practice Fields, which is just west of Paycor Stadium. You can find the Kettering Health Practice Fields at W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. On July 29, the Bengals will practice at Paycor Stadium.
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How much does it cost to go to Bengals training camp?
Bengals training camp tickets are free and no tickets are required. However, there is only a 1,250 capacity at the Kettering Health Practice Fields, so fans are encouraged to show up early before gates open.
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What time is Bengals training camp?
Bengals training camp begins at 2:15 PM local time every day practices are held, but gates open at 1 PM. With fewer than 2,000 bleacher seats available, we encourage fans to show up early.
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Is Cincinnati Bengals training camp open to the public?
A majority of the Bengals’ practices at training camp are open to the public. However, practices on Aug. 13-14 and Aug. 16 are exclusive to season-ticket holders and waitlist members.
