The Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders concluded their Week 2 preseason matchup in a 14-14 tie on Monday night, in a game that offered a glimpse of the Bengals’ starting units while being overshadowed by significant off-field developments concerning a key defensive star.
Played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the August 18 contest saw Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and the first-team offense on the field for a significant portion of the first quarter, as head coach Zac Taylor had planned. Burrow looked sharp in his limited appearance, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards. His night was highlighted by a precision 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Charlie Jones, capping a 12-play scoring drive that showcased the offense’s potential rhythm heading into the regular season.
The Bengals’ other score came from running back Chase Brown, who found the end zone to give Cincinnati an early lead. According to the official box score from ESPN, Brown finished the game with five carries for 16 yards and the touchdown. The Commanders answered Cincinnati’s scores, with running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt breaking loose for a 27-yard touchdown run to tie the game in the first half.
While the on-field action provided a valuable tune-up, much of the attention was focused on the status of defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Currently in a contract standstill with the organization, reports surfaced before the game that the Bengals were listening to trade offers for the prolific pass rusher. Hendrickson, who was present but did not play, was seen in a pregame conversation with Bengals’ director of player personnel Duke Tobin, fueling speculation about his future with the team. The potential departure of a player of Hendrickson’s caliber casts a significant shadow over the team’s defensive prospects for the 2025 season.
In more positive news for the defense, cornerback Dax Hill made his return to the field for the first time in over 10 months. Hill, who suffered a torn ACL early last season, is a welcome addition back to the secondary as he works his way back into form. His return provides a much-needed boost to a critical defensive unit.
The Bengals’ offensive line, a perennial focus, was also in the spotlight. The team played without offensive lineman Cody Ford, who suffered an injury during training camp. In an effort to shore up their depth, the Bengals are scheduled to host free-agent guard Dalton Risner for a visit on August 19, according to a report from The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Commanders were also without a key offensive player, as running back Brian Robinson Jr. did not play amid reports that a trade remains a possibility before final roster cuts.
Following a 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener, the tie brings the Bengals’ preseason record to 0-1-1. They will conclude their exhibition schedule at home against the Indianapolis Colts before turning their attention to the regular-season opener on September 7 on the road against the Cleveland Browns.
