The preseason might not count in the standings, but try telling that to the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals this week. Both teams dropped their openers and need a jolt heading into Monday night at 8 p.m. ET. The lights may not be as bright as Week 1, but expect some extra energy as everyone looks for a boost.
Who Are The Game Announcers For Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders Preseason Matchup?
This Monday marks the first prime-time kickoff of the 2024-25 campaign, and ESPN is taking center stage. Local networks for both the Commanders and Bengals are sitting this one out, so all eyes turn to the national crew.
Joe Buck will handle play-by-play, known for his years behind the mic and for becoming the youngest national play-by-play analyst at a major network.
Buck’s resume covers six Super Bowls, more than 18 NFC Championships, 23 World Series, and 25 MLB League Championship Series.
Joining him in the booth, Hall of Famer Troy Aikman brings his quarterback experience and championship pedigree with three Super Bowl titles, six Pro Bowl selections, and a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award from 1997.
Adding to the crew on the sidelines, Laura Rutledge and Lisa Salters bring depth and insight at Northwest Stadium. Rutledge, a former Miss Florida, has spent more than ten years in the reporting game, while Salters brings nearly 30 years of experience to the ESPN team.
HEARTWARMING: The moment the great Joe Buck found out on live TV that he was joining his father in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Beautiful.
pic.twitter.com/lS5FLgOXrt
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 2, 2025
Fans hoping to catch all the preseason moments can stream the game online using the ESPN App or ESPN+. There are other streaming options too: NFL+, FuboTV, and DirecTV are all in play.
How To Listen To the Bengals vs. Commanders Preseason Game?
If tuning in by radio is more your style, the Bengals’ preseason matchup against the Commanders airs locally on Bengals Radio Network: WCKY (1530), WEBN-FM (102.7), and WLW700. Dan Hoard, a familiar sports voice, handles play-by-play while Dave Lapha– headed for the 2025 Ring of Honor– offers analysis from the booth.
For Washington fans, catch the broadcast on the Washington Commanders Broadcast Network via BIG 100 (WBIG-FM). The call features Bram Weinstein doing play-by-play and Washington Ring of Honor member London Fletcher handling game analysis.
Between national TV, local radio, and a roster of veteran broadcasters, fans for both teams are set for a full night of football coverage.
Whether you watch on ESPN, stream online, or stick to the radio networks, expect sharp play-by-play, layered analysis, and sideline updates to keep you locked in from kickoff through the final whistle.
When the lights hit the field and the first whistle blows, it won’t just be another preseason game. It’ll be a national showcase where every snap counts for pride, momentum, and the first hint of what’s to come.
