The Cincinnati Bengals recently announced that they will not have any fans for the 2020 NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. They are now doing what they can to offer fans alternative options to make sure their presence is felt at the game.

The Bengals have opted to take a page out of the MLB's book by offering fans a chance to purchase a cardboard cutout to take their place at Paul Brown Stadium. All proceeds will also be donated to the team's charities of their choosing, via the team's official website, including The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and several others.

Cincinnati was among the team holding out hope that they would be able to have some kind of fan presence to begin the season. Although they will not be able to see quarterback Joe Burrow take his first snaps in person, they can take solace in the fact that the proceeds will go to a good cause.

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The cutouts were certainly a major it in the MLB with teams around the league putting their own spin on the approach. Bengals' players will now have an opportunity to add some intrigue with the “fans” in attendance. Of course, this could depend entirely on the circumstances of their showdown with the Chargers.

Since most teams have already prepared to play an entire season without fans, it will be interesting to see which franchises also take part in offering cutouts.