Most of the Bengals roster is set entering the final game of the preseason and the starters are slated to only play one series, but practice squad decisions will be among those finalized one day before final cuts.
Here are four players with a major stake in their performance Thursday.
1. QB Zac Robinson: The last two years the Bengals ditched their third-string quarterback for a new prospect following final cuts. In 2010, Dan LeFevour was added and in 2011 LeFevour was ditched for Robinson. Has Robinson shown enough in practice and this preseason to make the Bengals believe he owns a future? He'll have plenty of time to prove it Thursday with QB Andy Dalton only expected to play a series and backup Bruce Gradkowski probably out by halftime. Robinson threw one pass last week against Green Bay and it was intercepted. More of the same might leave him looking for a job in two days instead of landing on the practice squad.
2. C Trevor Robinson: The undrafted rookie will start at center for the injured Kyle Cook. Veteran Jeff Faine was signed, but the Bengals need to learn what they have in him -- particularly in series with the first and second teams. If the Bengals attempt to sign another center to backup and compete with Faine for the starting job during Cook's absence, a great showing by Robinson could deter that thought.
3. WR Ryan Whalen: The Stanford product will be on the same field as his old mate Andrew Luck on Thursday, but Whalen has much more to play for. He has been the odd man out in the receiver battle and instead of playing for a spot with the Bengals he could be showing off for another team. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden loves Whalen because he always runs the play exact the depth and direction it's supposed to be done. His physical limitations have him on the outside looking in here, though. Finally back after missing two games with an injury, he'll have nearly a full game to show off his skills.
4. DB Adam Jones: Who knows what will become of Jones. He continues to fight injuries, but will return for the first time since the preseason opener hoping to grab reps at corner. More importantly, Jones will work at punt returner to refresh his technique at the position he once dominated. If he shows explosiveness in the return game, burst on the edge and stays healthy, Thursday night could be an ideal night for Jones.
Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.