Bengals Say They Will Host Bears for Joint Practice Before August Preseason Game
The announced session offers controlled, high‑intensity reps to help coaches evaluate players, script situational work, sharpen units before limited preseason snaps.
Overview
- Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor told reporters the Bengals will host the Chicago Bears for a joint practice on August 20 and the Bengals list a preseason game against Chicago for August 22 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
- The NFL’s published preseason slate shows the Bears traveling to Cincinnati for an Aug. 22 game, but Chicago has not yet publicly confirmed participation in the Aug. 20 practice.
- Bears coach Ben Johnson has said the team may schedule multiple joint practices this summer, and club planning is weighing another session either with Cleveland at home or an early trip to Tennessee.
- Teams use joint practices to run scripted goal‑line and situational reps that starters rarely get in short preseason games, so coaches will use the session to evaluate players and tune units.
- Logistics such as public attendance and final scheduling remain to be announced, and both clubs will be mindful of past practice issues after a rain‑soaked joint session in 2024 produced multiple injuries for Cincinnati.