CINCINNATI – In a notable display during Cincinnati Bengals training camp, cornerback DJ Turner II delivered an outstanding defensive performance by shutting down star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on Thursday. This showing highlighted the ongoing intensity within the camp, as linebackers and defensive backs have pushed hard to make an impact early in practice sessions.
Turner’s efforts came after an uneven start to camp, which had drawn some critical remarks from cornerbacks coach Charles Burks, who previously commented,
“There have been flashes, but flashes aren’t good enough.”
On Thursday, however, Turner made good on those flashes by not only limiting Chase’s opportunities but also contributing five pass breakups across multiple top receivers, including Tee Higgins.
Key Defensive Highlights Fuel Team Momentum
Throughout Thursday’s practice, the defensive unit demonstrated a solid collective will by engaging heavily in both physical and verbal challenges. The competitive atmosphere has led to several heated exchanges, as evidenced when Chase retaliated by throwing a pass toward Turner—mirroring a recent incident where Jermaine Burton targeted Tycen Anderson with a thrown ball. Turner reflected on his turnaround, stating, “I needed this,” referencing his strong showing following a particularly tough day the prior session.
Turner’s standout play occurred on the final snap of an 11-on-11 drill, where he tracked down Higgins on a long route, initially allowing the reception but quickly stripping the ball as both fell to the ground. This forced turnover sparked a loud celebration from the defensive teammates, underscoring the significance of the moment and Turner’s rising confidence.
Emerging Defensive Contributors and Progress
Besides Turner, other defensive players made notable progress. Rookie cornerback Demetrius Knight revenged a disappointing route by deflecting a Joe Burrow pass that led to a diving interception by fellow defensive back Dax Hill during 7-on-7 drills. Knight recorded two pass breakups in the session, which contributed to a growing trend of successful interceptions against Burrow, including a previous red-zone pass interruption by fellow rookie linebacker Barrett Carter.
With starting right tackle Amarius Mims sidelined due to a hand injury, fifth-round rookie Jalen Rivers seized the opportunity by taking reps with the first team, solidifying his presence in the offensive line rotation. Concurrently, rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart continued to impress on defense by recording a sack of third-string quarterback Desmond Ridder and displaying quickness by bypassing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to pressure Burrow.
Setbacks and Roster Adjustments Ahead of Regular Season
On the other hand, undrafted rookie tight end Kole Taylor was released to clear a roster spot for veteran Noah Fant, diminishing his chances of joining the practice squad. Additionally, cornerbacks Dax Hill and Geno Stone were exposed on a play that resulted in a touchdown after Burrow connected deep with Andrei Iosivas, which underscored the ongoing challenges the secondary faces.
The offense also suffered a minor setback in the camp’s ongoing scoring competition, as kicker Evan McPherson narrowly missed a 62-yard field goal to end practice, costing the offense a point against a steadily dominant defense.
Injuries and Management Decisions Influencing Practice Availability
Right tackle Amarius Mims did not participate in practice Thursday due to a right-hand injury, while cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt was held out under a management plan to control his workload. Head coach Zac Taylor explained the cautious approach, stating,
“Cam has been on a little bit of a management plan the last couple of days, so I wouldn’t read anything into anything.”
Regarding Mims, the coach noted,
“He’s another guy we’ll give some time to, get him through today and tomorrow and then get him back on the field. Some of these guys are just working through some stuff, nothing serious.”
Taylor further elaborated on the strategy for managing player participation:
“So sometimes, yeah, we could push a guy through a practice, but we’ll pull them off so that we can get better work with him next week, and Amarius falls in that category.”
Implications and Outlook for the Bengals
The defensive dominance demonstrated by DJ Turner and his teammates at Bengals training camp signals growing depth and competitiveness on that side of the ball, which bodes well for Cincinnati’s efforts in the upcoming season. Turner’s ability to challenge receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins indicates a promising development in the cornerback corps. Meanwhile, contributions from rookies such as Demetrius Knight, Jalen Rivers, and Shemar Stewart suggest a potential infusion of young talent ready to support veteran stars.
On the offensive front, injuries and roster moves remain areas to monitor as the team manages player health while integrating newcomers like Noah Fant. The intense competition between offense and defense during camp not only hones skills but also helps establish a culture of accountability and resilience heading into the regular season.