Dohnte Meyers completes his roster push as Cincinnati cuts McKinnley Jackson, Charlie Jones and Josh Johnson to reach its initial 53.

Sometimes preseason really does matter.

Just ask Dohnte Meyers.

The Cincinnati Bengals finalized their initial 53-man roster Sunday, and Meyers’ impressive summer translated into something tangible: a spot in a loaded receiving room alongside Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Ke’Shawn Williams and Colbie Young.

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That’s one of the best stories on Cincinnati’s roster.

Meyers came to the Bengals after playing in the CFL and spent August forcing his way into the conversation. Cincinnati ultimately chose him while waiving receivers Charlie Jones, Mitch Tinsley, Noah Thomas, Jordan Moore, Xavier Johnson and Kendric Pryor.

That’s what an actual training-camp competition looks like.

Reputation can get a player into camp. Production keeps him there.

The more surprising decision may have come on the defensive line, where Cincinnati waived McKinnley Jackson. Jackson was a third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, making his departure another reminder that draft position has an expiration date.

The Bengals also waived defensive end Isaiah Foskey, safety Daijahn Anthony, running back Jamal Haynes and several other young players. Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson was released, as was safety Russ Yeast, linebacker Joe Giles-Harris and running back Gary Brightwell.

That leaves Cincinnati with a straightforward quarterback arrangement: Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco.

No mystery. No developmental fourth quarterback taking up space.

The Bengals instead used roster spots elsewhere.

Cincinnati’s offense remains built around Burrow, Chase and Higgins, but the bottom of the receiver depth chart suddenly looks younger and more interesting. Meyers, Williams and Young provide three different developmental options behind the established trio at the top.

The Bengals also placed guard Brian Parker II and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor on injured reserve with designations to return, allowing both to potentially rejoin the roster later.

Sunday’s cuts won’t necessarily be Cincinnati’s final word.

Hundreds of players are hitting waivers around the NFL, and the Bengals can still reshape several positions before Week 1. Their practice squad will also give them an opportunity to bring back players who don’t get claimed.

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But there’s a theme in this first version of the roster.

Cincinnati wasn’t afraid to let younger players beat out recognizable names.

Meyers did exactly that.

And when an organization says preseason performance matters, this is what proving it looks like.