# NFL preseason preparations for Bears and Bengals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-preseason-preparations-for-bears-and-bengals
> Updated: 2026-08-19T11:00:01.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

The Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a preseason matchup scheduled for August 22, 2026. Betting odds currently list the Bengals as slight favorites with a moneyline of -111, compared to -107 for the Bears, and a game total set at 40.5 points.

During a recent joint training camp practice in Cincinnati, the Bengals' defense showed strength, highlighted by defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence tipping a pass to himself for an interception. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams faced significant pressure during the scrimmage, including sacks by Myles Murphy. The session also included physical skirmishes, such as a notable hit by Jeremiah Martin on rookie tight end Sam Roush.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reiterated his sense of urgency, describing the 2026 season as a “now or never” opportunity to pursue a championship and end the team's postseason drought. Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Burrow’s capabilities, calling him a “surgeon” with high-level pocket awareness. 

Regarding roster management, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that starters will not play in the preseason finale on August 28, as the team shifts focus toward rookies and developmental players. 

Injury concerns persist for the Bears, as second-string quarterback Tyson Bagent remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Other previous injury concerns included tackle Kiran Amegadjie, while defensive end Marcus Davenport has yet to participate in practice since signing with the team.

## Claims

- The Chicago Bears are scheduled for a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals at Kettering Health Practice Fields. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen expects the joint practice against the Bengals to be a significant test for the defense. (single source)
- Quarterback Tyson Bagent remained sidelined during practice due to a hamstring injury. (single source)
- Dennis Allen described defensive end Marcus Davenport as a disruptive player despite recent health concerns. (single source)
- Tackle Kiran Amegadjie sustained an injury during a running play at training camp. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Bengals and Bears hold joint practice amid Joe Burrow's championship push

The Bengals and Bears held a joint practice in Cincinnati, featuring standout defensive plays and Joe Burrow expressing a “now or never” urgency for the upcoming 2026 season.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-bears-prepare-for-joint-practice-with-cincinnati-bengals

### 2026-08-17: NFL preseason matchups feature Bears, Bengals, Browns, and Bills

NFL preseason action features the Chicago Bears against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns facing the Buffalo Bills, with coaching agreements likely limiting starter playtime.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nfl-preseason-matchups-feature-bears-bengals-browns-and-bills

---
Cite as: NFL preseason preparations for Bears and Bengals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nfl-preseason-preparations-for-bears-and-bengals