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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (87) celebrates scoring a touchdown with quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 11. DOUG MURRAY / Associated Press
The Cincinnati Bengals were game planning how to contain Jeffrey Simmons as they prepared for Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans, but a shock trade sending him to the Chicago Bears caused them to shift gears.
Simmons gave the Bengals fits in their AFC Divisional Round playoff game during the 2021 season and had a memorable history against them. His sudden departure is a hit to the Titans’ defensive line, yet Cincinnati can’t afford to overlook the 1-6 opponent coming to Paycor Stadium on Sunday.
The Bengals will be holding their Ring of Honor induction at halftime and are looking for more to celebrate as they seek a third-straight win. Here are five things to know about the matchup:
Ring of Honor ceremony
Former tight end Bob Trumpy and running back James Brooks will be formally inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor.
Trumpy spent his entire 10-year playing career (1968-77) in Cincinnati, where he remains the team’s all-time leader in nearly every receiving category by a tight end. Brooks is the franchise record holder for average yards per carry (4.8), while ranking second in Bengals history in rushing yards and fourth in scrimmage yards.
The Ring of Honor was created in 2021 to recognize players, coaches and staff members who have played a significant role in the franchise’s history.
Ja’Marr Chase ‘good to go’
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase popped up on the injury report with an ankle issue/non-injury rest designation on Wednesday when he did not practice, but Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters Friday he is “good to go.” He was back on the field in full Thursday, and Chase said Thursday he would be fine.
The Bengals will be without Kyle Dugger (quadriceps), and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris (calf) is questionable.
Tennessee not only will be without Simmons, but also could be missing defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, who is questionable with groin and back injuries. Wide receiver Carnell Tate (shoulder), punter Tommy Townsend (knee) and running back Tyjae Spears (knee) are out, while wide receiver Calvin Ridley (hip), cornerback Jaylon Jones (knee) and linebacker Dorian Mausi (foot) are questionable.
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Cincinnati Bengals players huddle on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Stephanie Scarbrough — AP Stephanie Scarbrough — AP
Defensive identity taking shape
Cincinnati ranks third in redzone defense when it comes to preventing touchdowns, allowing just seven touchdowns on 20 trips for the opponent inside the 20-yard line. Five redzone situations ended in no scores.
That seems to be the mark of this defense is a “bend, don’t break” identity. While defensive coordinator Al Golden would like to see fewer explosives leading to redzone situations, he has been pleased with the perseverance and hopes that continues Sunday.
Tennessee has struggled offensively this season and is the second-lowest scoring team in the league with 15.4 points per game and just nine touchdowns on 19 trips to the red zone.
“It takes a reset,” Golden said. “Hats off to the leadership and the fight. It’s one down at a time down there for that.”
What to watch from the Titans
Simmons was a big part of the Titans’ defense, but Franklin-Myers (1.5 sacks) – if healthy – will play a bigger role in the interior now. The Bengals might shift their attention more to the edge rushers, as Jermaine Johnson (3.0 sacks) and Jacob Martin (3.5 sacks) will be looking to step up as well.
Quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2025, has struggled his first two seasons and leads an offense that has produced the fewest yards in the NFL, but he’s got a “cannon for an arm,” as Taylor described it. He’s thrown for 1,179 yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions, so it could be an opportunity for Cincinnati’s defense to produce some takeaways.
Running back Tony Pollard will be the one to watch. He is coming off a big game against Cleveland in which he recorded 129 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 27-24 loss.
“I think he’s a really big weapon for them, and certainly we’ve taken note of the opportunities he’s maximized,” Taylor said. “It’s a dangerous offense if you give them some momentum, they’re going to take hold of it. … Our guys are focused on the details to not let Tony get going and some of the other weapons they’ve got.”
Avoiding a trap game
The Bengals earned a big comeback win at Baltimore last week, but it would feel all for naught if Sunday’s game doesn’t go well against a struggling Titans team at home.
Tennessee’s record is a little deceiving as four of the six losses have come by six points or less. Cincinnati needs to take care of business to keep momentum going into next week’s game in Spain against the Falcons.
“No. 1, respect all opponents; No. 2, have respect for the guys next to you and what our journey is,” Taylor said, regarding his message to the team this week.
“That’s really important, that the guys have a unity and that we are focused on what we have to get done today. … Look, it’s the NFL. Just look at the scores last week, the week before. We were probably an underdog last week, right? At the end of the day, I don’t know what any of that means other than we’ve got to get our butts ready to go.”
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase scores a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 25, in Baltimore. Nick Wass / AP Nick Wass