Cincinnati Bengals name seven team captains for the 2026 NFL season

The Cincinnati Bengals announced a seven-player leadership group for the 2026 season on September 7. The selection includes quarterback Joe Burrow, receiver Jamar Chase, center Ted Karras, and kicker Evan McPherson. The group also features defensive players DJ Turner II, Bryan Cook, and Dexter Lawrence II, all of whom are first-time captains for the team. Dexter Lawrence II and Bryan Cook join the organization as new acquisitions following free agency moves this past offseason. This leadership group will lead the team ahead of the upcoming season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scheduled for September 13. The current roster of captains represents a shift from the 2025 campaign, which saw different defensive leadership following the departure of Logan Wilson and injuries to Trey Hendrickson.

• 6:16 PMYahoo Sports — The Bengals announced their captains for the 2026 NFL season