Cincinnati Bengals Writer Suggests Sixth Round Pick Has Locked Up Roster Spot

The Cincinnati Bengals are moving closer and closer to the beginning of the regular season, but before that can arrive they must make some difficult decision with the arrival of cutdown day next week.

Now with two preseason games under their belt and just one remaining two days from now against the Indianapolis Colts , the roster has begun to take shape, especially due to some bad luck on the injury front.

Because of this, Michael Kaskey-Blomain of StripeHype included sixth-round selection out of Ole Miss , Cedric Johnson, as a player who has solidified himself as a lock to make the roster in his latest article .

"Cincinnati lost two defensive ends during training camp, as Cameron Sample suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and Jeff Gunter decided to retire from the NFL. These absences open up opportunity for Johnson, who could make the final roster as a result," Kaskey-Blomain wrote . "Johnson has also played well in the preseason. He had four tackles in the preseason opener as he was able to get into the backfield and cause disruption. He also tallied two QB hits and a sack in that game. He added two more tackles, including one for a loss, in the exhibition against the Bears. As a result, he's likely to serve as a depth piece on the D-line heading into the regular season."

By the sounds of it, Johnson is going to have the opportunity not just to make the roster, but may even get the chance to play and be a key contributor early in his young career.