The final preseason game of the year is vitally important for players on the roster bubble. With several players to watch for, as many fight for their NFL lives, every play holds importance as roster cuts and Week 1 rapidly approaches.
Let’s discuss six players who, for various reasons, are worth watching on Thursday night.
Players To Watch in Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermaine Burton, Wide Receiver, Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver group has high-end talent at the top of their depth chart. However, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren’t the only playmakers in the group, as rookie Jermaine Burton is worth paying attention to.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star has been productive this preseason, but with a stacked receiver room already established, Burton is fighting for a role in the offense as Week 1 approaches.
37-yard TD for Jermaine Burton in his first preseason game pic.twitter.com/dUyY12LEy1
— Wyatt Fulton (@FultonW_) August 11, 2024
He’s a big play waiting to happen, and as injuries happen every year, he may be called upon to step up in big spots this season. Thursday night provides one final chance to show out before things get real, and Burton has a chance to put on a show.
Drew Ogletree, Tight End, Colts
Currently looking to be the Indianapolis Colts’ third tight end — and with rookie Jelani Woods dealing with an injury — Drew Ogletree would like to come out on Thursday night and solidify his place. The big-bodied target may be looked at as an in-line blocking TE, but he has the ability to be a true receiving threat as well.
Behind Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, Ogletree will look to prove to the Colts that he should be the guy worthy of holding down the spot rather than looking outwardly for help.
Anthony Gould, WR, Colts
With the new kickoff rules, players like Anthony Gould have a chance to make a massive impact on games. Not only will Gould look to continue to show his ability in that sector, but the final preseason game will also provide him an opportunity to show he is a trusted pass-catching weapon.
The former Oregon State Beaver is electric with the football in his hands. With an opportunity to show his route running and ability to pick up yards after the catch, he has a chance to be a real highlight of Thursday’s action.
Players To Watch in Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Velus Jones Jr., Wide Receiver, Bears
If you’ve been watching HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” you have seen Velus Jones Jr. and the work he has been putting in. The wide receiver by trade has been getting double work with the running backs as well.
With that unique ability, Jones hopes it is enough to show Chicago Bears decision-makers that he is worthy of keeping around on the roster. Thursday night presents an opportunity for the young playmaker, and there is a real chance we could see him swapping from receiver to running back throughout the night.
Carson Wentz, Quarterback, Chiefs
We obviously know who the Kansas City Chiefs’ top quarterback is. However, behind Patrick Mahomes is Carson Wentz, who is hoping to get his career back on track. While the Chiefs hope that Wentz never sees the field in 2024, getting valuable reps in the preseason could be mutually beneficial for him and the team.
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Things change in the blink of an eye, and the former MVP candidate QB could be thrust into action at any time. Shaking off the rust and giving the backups some good work to put on film, having Wentz out there adds a fun and unique wrinkle to this game.
Austin Booker, EDGE, Bears
Another “Hard Knocks” darling, Austin Booker, has proven to be quite the Day 3 pick for the Bears thus far. A player with a unique pass rushing bag, Booker could use Thursday’s game as a chance to solidify himself in the Bears’ EDGE rotation.
Austin Booker today against the Bills
4 solo tackles
2.5 sacks
2 TFL
3 QB hitsYeah….this kid is going to be special pic.twitter.com/5j1CfooyCv
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) August 10, 2024
Booker has grabbed the attention of a lot of the right people, and with one more chance to prove that he is who they think he is, he has the opportunity to feast against backup offensive linemen on Thursday night.