The Cincinnati Bengals open their 2026 preseason schedule Thursday night at Paycor against the Detroit Lions, and head coach Zac Taylor said the majority of the starters will see action.That list includes quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins new defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who will be looking to knock down a quarterback other than Burrow.“It won't be a ton of time, but for our fans to come out there, they're going to see Joe and Jamar and T, they're going to see Dexter,” Taylor said. “So they'll get a chance to enjoy some of our players there. But how long I keep him out there remains to be seen.”Based on last year, which was the first time in the Burrow era he and the starters have seen significant action, you can expect it to be one series if it includes a couple of first downs. Or perhaps two if the opening drive ends quickly.While the stars and other starters will be a big draw for many of those in attendance, there are several backups with intriguing storylines who will be worth following.Let’s take a look at five of them:Cashius Howell, defensive endCincinnati Bengals defensive end Cashius Howell (55) speaks with players during training camp, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectEvery year there is excitement and intrigue about how the top pick in the draft is going to look in his first live action. Given how explosive Howell has looked coming off the edge in the first 10 training camp practices, he definitely follows the trend.Though Howell sat out Tuesday’s light final tune-up for the game, he told reporters he expects to play against the Lions. And with Detroit not expected to play their starters, you should expect to see Howell challenging the visitor’s backup tackles.But don’t blink. Howell is likely to have a workload similar to that of the starters, where you shouldn’t expect him to be in the game long.Dohnte Meyers, wide receiverJul 29, 2026; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers (81) catches a pass during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe import from the Canadian Football League has consistently made plays in training camp, but his clearest path to cracking the 53-man roster is going to be showing explosion – and dependability – as a kick and punt returner.Charlie Jones is the incumbent at both spots, but the Bengals know what they have in him (three returner touchdowns in the last three seasons). What they don’t know is if he can stay healthy.Meyers and Ke’Shawn Williams, who averaged a team-best 10.5 yards per punt return last year and 25.4 per kickoff return on eight returns. Jones averaged 25.8 yards on 42 kick returns.Unlike snaps for offensive and defensive players, return chances can’t be pre-planned by the coaching staff given the unpredictable nature of how many there will be. So it will be interesting to see how special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons allocates the opportunities as they arise.Kris Jenkins, defensive tackleDec 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (90) celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConnectThe additions of Lawrence via trade and Jonathan Allen in free agency served as direct notice to Jenkins, who has struggled to make an impact since the Bengals drafted him in the second round in 2024. There’s also the matter of B.J. Hill being close to returning from the Physically Unable to Perform list and the improved play of T.J Slaton, not to mention the addition of Landon Robinson in the draft.The defensive tackle position is deep and competitive.Jenkins has seen his opportunities with the first time increase as camp has gone along, with Allen and Lawrence taking multiple days off. Look for that to continue in earnest Thursday night as the Bengals for a couple of reasons.Yes, the coaches want to see if Jenkins is more active and disruptive. They also want the other teams in the league to see it, as he could be a trade piece closer to the roster deadline. And a strong performance in the preseason will only help improve any potential trade value.Tacario “Bobo” Davis, cornerbackCincinnati Bengals cornerback Tacario Davis (20) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Colbie Young (86) during practice at the Paycor Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe team’s third-round pick, Davis has not looked like a rookie in camp in that there haven’t been any glaring gaffes. But there haven’t been many splash plays, although he did intercept third-string quarterback Josh Johnson in the end zone of Friday’s practice at the indoor facility.DJ Ivey has earned his role as CB3 at the moment, but Davis is going to have a chance to push for that spot, and live action will be the best way to advance. The one thing none of the rookies have been able to prove with no live periods in camp is how well they can tackle, which is of high importance given how the last two seasons have done, so Davis will be one to watch not just in coverage, but in run support. Ryan Rehkow, punterJun 16, 2026; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals punter Ryan Rehkow (8) punts a ball during minicamp at Kettering Health Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHe proved how strong his leg was last year as a rookie, but his touch left a lot to be desired as his 11 touchbacks were tied for the most in the league, and his 16.9 percentage of touchbacks led all punters.Because of that, Rehkow’s gross punting average of 50.5, which was second best in the league, was overshadowed by his net of 42.9, which ranked 11th.Punters and returners are the toughest positions to truly gauge in practice given that there are no live special teams.Thursday’s game will give Rehkow a chance to show how much his touch has improved.The Bengals clearly are expecting it because he is the lone punter in camp this summer.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow