Promising Bengals rookie headlines 3 potential surprise cuts if they don't play well vs Colts

We've reached the final week of training camp for the Cincinnati Bengals, which means the preseason finale is just days away.

It would be a surprise to see starters and most roster locks take the field for Cincinnati against the Indianapolis Colts. The final preseason game is traditionally a showcase for all players fighting to stick around for the regular season, and some names who miss the cut are more surprising than others. It could all hinge on how Thursday night turns out.

These three Bengals will need to shine against the Colts if they are to make the initial 53-man roster.

TE Tanner McLachlan

The numbers game can be cruel sometimes. McLachlan, one of the Cincinnati's sixth-round picks, looks the part of a yards-after-catch receiving option who can play immediately. His developmental curve at 25 years old is already different compared to most rookies. He also has four years on his contract.

And yet, what can he do if the team decides that four tight ends is plenty? He's clearly the fifth name on the depth chart behind Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, and fellow rookie Erick All Jr. Hudson plays a similar role to McLachlan and has already earned trust from the coaches and quarterback Joe Burrow. Nevertheless, McLachlan would be one of the most talented cuts the Bengals could make next week. He needs to continue showing it on Thursday.

CB Jalen Davis

Davis is only a couple years older than McLachlan, but far more experienced. This is his fifth year with the Bengals as he's managed to stand out every offseason he's been with the team. This time may be different with his two-year contract expiring at the end of the season, and his position looks very stacked at the moment.

Cincinnati wants both rookies Josh Newton and Daijahn Anthony on the field, or to have clear paths to it, this season. Both of their skillsets translate really well in the slot, which is where Davis has provided depth for the past handful of seasons. So long as the staff is comfortable with their special teams abilities, both rookies making the team could be the reason why Davis is kept off of it.

LB Maema Njongmeta

Two quality preseason games should be enough for the Bengals to recognize Njongmeta as one of their five best linebackers . The rookie has already become a fan favorite  but there are two key factors working against his roster chances.

Is five backers one too many, and how difficult would it be to bring Njongmeta back onto the practice squad?

It may take another phenomenal game Thursday for Njongmeta to solidify his roster spot.

Related: It's time for the Cincinnati Bengals to cut ties with Jackson Carman