Former Wisconsin linebacker may be on verge of cracking Bengals' 53-man roster

Former Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta is on the cusp of cracking the Cincinatti Bengals’ final 53-man roster this week.

Njongmeta added nine more tackles to his stellar 2024 NFL preseason outlook during the Bengals’ 27-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. Through three contests, he trails only Atlanta’s Donavan Mutin in total tackles among any player this preseason.

A week ago, the former Badger notched a team-best seven tackles, including six solo, in a 27-3 loss to the Chicago Bears. That performance arrived one week after he recorded a team-best 10 tackles (seven solo) and two pass deflections in his NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With 26 total tackles under his belt for the Bengals, Njongmeta has played himself into contention for the final linebacker spot on Cincinnati’s roster. Former Duke linebacker Shaka Heyward is also vying for that position.

The 2023 third team All-Big Ten team member has showcased his ability to attack opposing running backs and defend against passing schemes throughout the preseason. The dexterity may prove as the bridge between making the Bengals’ final roster or exiting the facility on Aug. 27 without a roster spot.

Logan Wilson, Joe Bachie, Germaine Pratt and Devin Harper remain locks at the linebacker position.

Cincinatti will begin its season against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 8.