Second-year linebacker Demetrius Knight pushes Bengals with intense joint practice
Demetrius Knight Jr. is treating the Bengals' Aug. 20 joint practice with the Chicago Bears like a real game to sharpen his preparation.
Cincinnati will welcome the Chicago Bears for a joint practice on Aug. 20, giving the Bengals’ starters, including second-year linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., a final game-like rehearsal before the regular season starts on Sept. 13. Knight is treating the session as a competitive event, emphasizing film study of the Bears' run and pass plays and even reviewing Detroit Lions tape from the upcoming preseason opener. He contrasts this approach with last year, when the defense focused on installing new coordinator Al Golden’s scheme and avoided joint drills.
Head coach Zac Taylor, who skipped a joint practice in 2025, opted to host the Bears this year to provide a controlled, realistic environment. The Bengals hope the intense preparation will boost defensive confidence heading into September.
Why it matters
Knight's heightened preparation signals the Bengals' intent to improve their defense before the season begins.
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