Fourth quarter update: Quarterback Matt Barkley’s first drive with the third-team offense ended with a 33-yard field goal for Johnathan Brown which increased the Bengals lead to 14-10. Jordan Willis got his second sack of the day and Philips continued his success on special teams with a 44-yard kickoff return. Running back Brian Hill took all four touches on the second drive of the quarter for 59 yards and his three-yard touchdown reception with 7:46 to go gave the Bengals a 21-13 lead.
Quarterback Logan Woodside also got his first snaps of his career.
Third quarter update: Driskel came back onto the field to start the second half behind the first-team offensive line still on the field, and the line continued to drastically underwhelm. Thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by defensive lineman Jihad Ward, the Bengals barely got in field goal range, allowing Johnathan Brown to nail a 55-yard field goal to give the Bengals their first points of the game.
The next drive for the offense saw Trey Hopkins in at center with the second-team offensive line, and finally the Bengals were able to move the ball down the field. A two-yard Tra Carson touchdown run finished a 14-play 92-yard drive, including two Alex Erickson receptions for 35 yards, and a successful two-point conversion via a John Ross in-route gave the Bengals an 11-10 lead.
The final play of the quarter was a 24-yard punt return by rookie cornerback Darius Philips.
Injuries: Tight end C.J. Uzomah was taken out of action with a facial laceration but returned soon after. Safety Brandon Wilson was also briefly sidelined and cornerback Davontae Harris was taken out due to a knee injury.
Second quarter update: A few minutes after the start of the quarter, the Cowboys offense continued their groove and capped off a 16-play 82-yard drive with a Terrence Williams six-yard touchdown, increasing their lead to 10-0. Alex Redmond came on to replace Trey Hopkins at right guard the following drive, where the offense moved the ball a bit, but still allowed numerous pressures coming from the right side of the offensive line.
The second-team offense for the Bengals was lead by quarterback Jeff Driskel, who’s first drive was cut short when wide receiver Tyler Boyd fumbled Driskel’s first pass and completion. Hopkins also came back in for Redmond, and guard Christian Westerman and tackle Cedric Ogbuehi manned the left guard and right tackle spots with Cordy Glenn and Billy Price still out there at left tackle and center, respectively.
The second-string defensive line had much better luck, sacking backup quarterback Cooper Rush twice and forcing a quick three-and-out, giving the Bengals the final 39 seconds to try and get a field goal. But Driskel threw an interception on the first play of the drive, thanks to a herculean effort by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
First quarter update: The Cowboys took a 3-0 lead midway through the first period. Quarterback Dak Prescott and company moved the ball down the field with little negative plays against the Bengals defense, while the Bengals offense had the exact opposite experience against a fast front seven in Dallas. The Bengals offensive line allowed a few pressures and forced a few punts, giving the Cowboys great field position.