CINCINNATI — Dax Hill thought he had finally settled into the outside cornerback spot he earned in the second half of 2025, after switching positions multiple times over his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now he's swapping roles again going into Sunday's home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1).
With Jalen Davis joining Ja'Sir Taylor on injured reserve due to a Week 3 hamstring issue, the Bengals need Hill to move back inside, where he also stepped in for the first nine games of 2025. He made clear earlier this year he wanted to stay in one spot for his own development, but as he's done many times before, Hill is putting personal feelings aside for the team.
"I've already said it before, it is what it is," Hill said. "I mean, it's a team game."
Hill, who started his NFL career at safety, showed he could be a top outside corner in 2024 before an ACL tear ended his season, and when he returned the following year, Cincinnati tapped him as a replacement for departed Mike Hilton.
That lasted until Cam Taylor-Britt's fall-off created greater need outside, but now the bigger issue is in the slot, and Hill's versatility helps Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden solve his "BINGO card."
"I love the man," Golden said Wednesday, Sept. 30. "I think he's a phenomenal person. He's unselfish. We really didn't have any intention of putting him back inside, but every season unfolds a different way, and he's so unselfish, and he goes inside, and we pressed him into that duty during the game, and he responded for us. He's tough inside; it's not too big for him. So again, I'm really impressed with him and his recall, his knowledge. Again, I just I can't say enough good things about Dax Hill."
Hill said there was no conversation about moving, he was just told he was needed inside, but it's important to show he's a team player. It's a "sacrifice" he has to make at least for the short term. The upside, he said, is that the versatility could help increase value as he looks for his next contract after this season.
With Hill moving inside, the Bengals will need someone to slide in opposite of DJ Turner on the outside. Rookie Tacario Davis and DJ Ivey, a 2023 seventh-round draft pick, are next in line.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Ivey has "gotten better every single year" and earned a lot of confidence in training camp. His experience is what could put him ahead of "Bobo" Davis.
"He just learned from all of the reps that he's gotten," Taylor said of Ivey's experience. "Longer guy, so he's been able to cover some guys in some specialty roles. Filled in outside when we needed him. So, I certainly have a lot of confidence in him."
Coach Taylor said Ja'Sir Taylor is progressing through rehab but will be evaluated further next week, when he's eligible to come off injured reserve.
Hill's versatility always made him an emergency option inside, while Josh Newton provides additional cover.
"That's what makes guys valuable when you're looking for them, when they can cover you at two spots or have starting experience, inside-out, flex as a corner," Zac Taylor said. "That's always ideal that you can find as many guys, especially that are depth pieces, that can cover you in a lot of different ways."
Cincinnati could have a lot of moving pieces in the secondary this week, adding more to the challenge of facing the Jaguars, who rank 10th in points scored (27.3) and whose top-ranked defense (allowing 12.0 points per game) will be tough to match.
Safeties Bryan Cook (ankle), Kyle Dugger (quad) and Jordan Battle (hamstring) were limited or did not practice Wednesday after suffering injuries in the Week 3 loss at Pittsburgh. Zac Taylor said Battle powered through to finish the game Sunday and will be monitored this week, along with the others.
PJ Jules would be next in line if any of those three aren't available, but the hope is those players can heal enough with time off this week and be ready to go Sunday.
"We'll see," Zac Taylor said. "We'll just take it day to day with those guys, but PJ's been right there practicing the whole time. Feel good about our depth, but we'll see where those guys are at."
