Key Highlights

• Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow and other starters set to play in preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 10.
• Head coach Zac Taylor optimistic about the starters’ participation to prepare them for the regular season.
• Burrow’s return to preseason action marks his first since 2021 due to previous injuries.
• Bengals aim for improved regular season starts after multiple 0-2 season openings.

(NicePlay Sports) – The anticipation is palpable as Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, alongside the other healthy starters, gears up to hit the field for the team’s preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 10. This upcoming engagement is not just a preseason game; it’s a crucial step for Burrow, who hasn’t seen preseason action since 2021 due to a series of injuries during previous training camps. Head coach Zac Taylor and Burrow himself have emphasized the significance of these live snaps, no matter how limited, in preparing for the regular season.

In 2022, Burrow was sidelined by an appendectomy just before training camp, and a calf injury took him out of the running last year. His return to the preseason now is not just a physical milestone but a psychological boost for the team, aiming to break a pattern of slow season starts. Taylor has been strategic, managing Burrow’s workload through a regimen of two days on and one day off, ensuring his recovery from the season-ending wrist surgery last November. Burrow, while optimistic about his progress, acknowledges he’s not at 100 percent yet but sees this preseason game as the best preparation for Week 1.

Looking ahead, the Bengals have scheduled joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, providing further opportunities for Burrow and the offense to gel. Though the game results won’t impact the standings, the performance during these snaps is expected to offer invaluable insights into the readiness of the franchise quarterback and the unit as a whole. There’s an inherent risk in fielding Burrow during a preseason game, but Taylor believes the benefits outweigh the potential hazards.

Joe Burrow’s Journey Back to Preseason

Joe Burrow’s absence from preseason games in the last couple of years has been a point of concern for Bengals fans and the coaching staff alike. In 2022, an unexpected appendectomy sidelined him right before training camp started. The following year, Burrow suffered a calf injury in the first week of camp, which kept him out for the remainder of August. This year’s return to preseason is seen as a crucial step in mitigating the Bengals’ historically slow starts.

Burrow’s offseason was marred by a wrist surgery that ended his previous season prematurely. Despite these setbacks, the quarterback is optimistic about his progress, even though he’s not fully recovered. He has been participating in a carefully managed workload, designed to build his strength and stamina without overstraining his healing wrist. The Bengals are keen to ensure that Burrow’s deep-ball connections, a vital part of their offensive strategy, are back to peak performance by the time the regular season rolls around.

The Value of Live Snaps

Both Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow appreciate the value of live game snaps, even in a preseason setting. These snaps offer a real-time game environment that practice sessions, no matter how intense, cannot replicate. Burrow has been vocal about his belief that playing a full drive in a game setting is the best way to prepare for the regular season. Despite the risks involved, the benefits of feeling game-time pressure, making real-time decisions, and potentially taking hits far outweigh the limited time on the field.

The preseason opener against the Buccaneers presents an opportunity for Burrow to take those much-needed snaps. The Bengals have historically struggled with slow starts, opening with a 0-2 record in four of the past five seasons. By allowing Burrow to get accustomed to game conditions, the Bengals hope to reverse this trend and hit the ground running when the regular season begins.

Managing Risks and Expectations

Despite the inherent risks associated with playing Burrow in the preseason, both he and Taylor believe it’s a necessary step. The quarterback’s confidence and readiness are crucial for the Bengals’ success, and live game reps are an irreplaceable part of that preparation. Burrow’s confidence on the field is evident. Even when not every day is perfect, his progress has been steady, and most importantly, he hasn’t suffered any setbacks with his wrist.

“It’s getting better every day,” Burrow said regarding his wrist. “I’m really happy with where it’s at, especially with the volume that we’ve been putting on it the last two weeks. Haven’t had any problems with it.” This positive outlook is shared by the coaching staff, who are carefully balancing the need for preparation with the importance of maintaining Burrow’s health.

Looking Ahead to Regular Season Preparation

The Bengals’ strategy for the preseason extends beyond just the opener against the Buccaneers. They have two joint practices scheduled with the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears, which will provide additional competitive settings for Burrow and the team to fine-tune their play. These sessions are seen as complementary to the preseason games, offering a blend of controlled practice and live competition.

Head coach Zac Taylor has stated that the first preseason game is targeted for starters to play, although he hasn’t set anything in stone. The team’s approach is to evaluate players’ readiness and make adjustments as needed. While Burrow and some key starters are expected to participate, others, like wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive ends Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson, may sit out due to ongoing injuries. The preseason games and joint practices together are expected to provide a comprehensive assessment of the team’s readiness for the regular season.

Conclusion

As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all eyes are on Joe Burrow and his return to game action. The preseason is more than just a series of exhibition games; it’s a critical phase in the Bengals’ preparation for the regular season. With a history of slow starts, the team is banking on Burrow’s participation to set a positive tone from the outset. The upcoming joint practices and preseason games will be pivotal in assessing the team’s readiness and ensuring they’re well-prepared for the challenges ahead.