{"id":243914,"date":"2025-08-26T16:20:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T20:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=243914"},"modified":"2025-08-26T16:20:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T20:20:47","slug":"the-biggest-surprises-from-cutdown-day-for-the-bengals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/08\/26\/the-biggest-surprises-from-cutdown-day-for-the-bengals\/","title":{"rendered":"The Biggest Surprises From Cutdown Day for the Bengals"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> have completed training camp and the preseason, and are now in preparation for the Cleveland Browns<\/a> on September 7th. The road thus far has been somewhat rocky with the contract drama surrounding Shemar Stewart and the recently signed Trey Hendrickson<\/a>. With those issues in the rearview mirror, it’s time for football. Teams across the league are finalizing their rosters by trimming from 90 players to 53 by 4 pm on Tuesday. Veteran waiver claims can then be made on players who were cut, and the Bengals are likely to have their eye on several who can bolster their roster at positions of need to provide depth. Let’s examine the biggest surprises from Cutdown Day for the orange and black.<\/p>\n

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) watches a replay in the fourth quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The Colts won 41-14.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Biggest Surprises From Cutdown Day for the Bengals<\/h2>\n

Cam Grandy<\/h3>\n

Tight end Cam Grandy has made the roster, as the Bengals are carrying five TEs and eight OL. Grandy was a college free agent signing in 2024 and began his career on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster midway through last season. The Illinois State<\/a> product was extended for 2025 and plays with some pop and nastiness that’s needed in the rugged AFC North. Grandy will likely serve as the backup to Drew Sample and be used in heavy packages that highlight his powerful blocking.<\/p>\n

PJ Jules<\/h3>\n

PJ Jules story is reminiscent of Grandy and the route he took to make the roster. He’s a physical safety who isn’t afraid to mix it up and tackle at will. Jules was a consensus<\/a> first-team FCS All-American and first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference pick in 2023 at Southern Illinois University. Spent five seasons (2019-23) with the Salukis, starting 30 of 56 games played, totaling 282 tackles (169 solos), including 22 TFLs and 5.5 sacks, along with 29 PDs, one INT, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.<\/p>\n

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PJ Jules just loves to hit people pic.twitter.com\/RKYOPhsFSp<\/a><\/p>\n

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) August 24, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n