Former Wisconsin linebacker leads Cincinnati Bengals defense in breakout effort

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta had a breakout game in his NFL debut on Saturday.

That debut came in the Bengals 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first week of the 2024 NFL preseason. He finished the contest with a team-high 10 tackles (seven solo) and two pass deflections.

The former Badger signed with the Bengals in April after going unselected during the 2024 NFL draft. He is currently listed as a fourth-team inside linebacker on the Bengals’ roster, along with several other post-draft signees.

A debut performance like this one has Njongmeta’s stock soaring as the preseason schedule continues. Bengals writers and fans alike were all surprised by his strong debut showing:

The multi-year starter at Wisconsin will get two more preseason opportunities before the Bengals must decide on their 53-man roster. The next chance comes on Saturday, Aug. 17 against the Chicago Bears.

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