Cincinnati Bengals

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert could find himself on the roster bubble as the summer continues, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic. During a new 53-man roster projection, Jahns and Kevin Fishbain tabbed Herbert to make the team out of training camp, but Jahns also wrote that "it wouldn't be surprising if Herbert is considered on the bubble at Halas Hall." The 26-year-old appeared in one dozen games last year, rushing for 611 yards and two touchdowns on 132 carries. He also added 20 catches, 134 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. While he certainly showed flashes of meaningful production in 2023, he lost opportunities to Justin Fields at times. Fields is now gone, but he's been replaced by Caleb Williams, who is still mobile enough to make plays happen with his legs. Most importantly, though, the Bears signed D'Andre Swift, who will enter Week 1 as the starting running back, barring an unforeseen development. Therefore, Herbert, who is entering a contract year, could become expendable as the Bears opt to give more reps to Swift and second-year back Roschon Johnson.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki "shifted all around the line of scrimmage" during offseason programs, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Several playmakers within Cincinnati's offense had their versatility on display recently and Gesicki was no exception. The 28-year-old is coming off a 29-catch, 244-yard, and two-touchdown season in New England where he operated behind Hunter Henry. He's due for increased volume in 2024 given that he projects as the Bengals' No. 1 tight end. A versatile skill set would allow him to get on the field even more, and it seems like the Bengals will explore using Gesicki in a variety of ways. It's too early to let this impact his fantasy stock, but he could flirt with the low-end TE2 tier this season.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins signed his franchise tender on Saturday, according to a source. By signing his tender, Higgins is now expected to be at training camp next month. A long-term deal for Higgins is considered a long shot at this point, especially since with WR1 Ja'Marr Chase has only two years remaining on his current deal. The 25-year-old Higgins will make $21.8 million in the franchise tag in 2024 before becoming a free agent next March. The former second-rounder (33rd overall) in 2020 out of Clemson struggled with injuries in his fourth NFL season in 2023, playing in only 12 games and catching 42 passes for a career-low 656 yards and five touchdowns. With better health for himself and quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist), Higgins should be able to bounce back in a contract year and would be a fine target as a high-end WR3/low-end WR2.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist) said it is "tough to say" what percentage health-wise he is at right now but reiterated "I'll be ready to go by the season." Burrow didn't look right early on in 2023 after injuring his calf during training camp last summer, and then he suffered a season-ending right-wrist injury in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. The former first overall pick in 2020 out of LSU has bookended his four seasons in the NFL so far with serious injuries, but he's been a solid QB1 option for fantasy managers otherwise. The 27-year-old should be full-go for training camp next month and should be ready for the Week 1 season opener this fall, barring any setbacks with his wrist in training camp and the preseason. With one of the better one-two punches at wideout in the league, Burrow should be a fine midrange QB1 target in fantasy drafts after the big names at the position come off the board.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase wasn't fully participating in practice at mandatory minicamp for the second straight day on Wednesday and was in tennis shoes with no helmet on, but he did take part in the install portion on both days. Chase didn't take part in 7-on-7 drills on Tuesday. The 24-year-old is seeking a long-term extension from the club, and while he is in attendance so he won't get fined, it appears he's not doing much on the field. Barring a surprise development, the Bengals and Chase should be able to eventually work something out to keep him in Cincinnati for the long haul. The former fifth overall pick in 2021 out of LSU has been a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons in the NFL and has gone over 1,000 receiving yards in all three years as well with a combined 29 touchdowns in 45 regular-season starts. Chase is an easy top-five fantasy wideout.