The Bengals stuck close to the script with their cut to 53 on Friday. In looking for the position group where they would keep an extra player, it came down to the loaded receiver and linebacker groups. Eventually, WR Ryan Whalen won the final roster spot over LB Roddrick Muckelroy. That was the day's biggest surprise.

Notable cuts: LB Roddrick Muckelroy (3rd year, Texas) -- The Bengals liked college free agent Vontaze Burfict. Apparently, they liked him a ton to ditch Muckelroy, a fourth-round pick in 2010. He suffered an Achilles injury last year but bounced back and built on his strong rookie season from two years ago. He was listed as the backup to Rey Maualuga all preseason, but when it came time for the bottom line the Bengals opted for Burfict's upside. ... OL Otis Hudson (2nd year, Eastern Illinois) -- Hudson appeared a lock to score a spot when starter Travelle Wharton went down with a season-ending knee injury. He's bound for the practice squad and may still make the team if the Bengals decide to use injured center Kyle Cook under the new injured reserve rule that allows a player who is on the roster Sept. 4 to return eight weeks later. Cut for now, but to be determined on an ever-evolving season roster.

Complete cut list

QB Zac Robinson (2nd year, 7th round in 2010 draft by Patriots, Oklahoma St.); OL Otis Hudson (2nd year, 5th round in 2010 draft, Eastern Illinios); RB Dan Herron (R, 6th round in 2012 draft, Ohio St.); RB Jourdan Brooks (R, CFA, Morgan St.); RB James Develin (R, CFA, Brown), WR Vidal Hazelton (1st year, CFA, Cincinnati), TE Colin Cochart (2nd year, CFA, South Dakota St.), OL Reggie Stephens (2nd year, CFA, Iowa St), OL Matthew O'Donnell (1st year, CFA, Queen's), , DL Vaughn Meatoga (R, CFA, Hawaii); DE DeQuin Evans (1st year, CFA, Kentucky), LB Micah Johnson (1st year, CFA, Kentucky); LB Emmanuel Lamur (R, CFA, Kansas St.), LB Grant Hunter (R, CFA, Butler); CB Chris Lewis-Harris (R, CFA, Tennessee-Chattanooga); DB T.J. Heath (2nd year, Jacksonville St.).

Other moves: PUP -- DT Pat Sims (5th year, 3rd round in 2008, ankle); Suspension: LB Dontay Moch (2nd year, 3rd round in 2011, four games). IR: DB Tony Dye (R, CFA, UCLA); Waived/Injured: DL Nick Hayden (3rd year, CFA, Wisconsin).

Follow Paul Dehner Jr. for Bengals updates on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCIN.