The Cincinnati Bengals are getting ready for their second NFL preseason clash when they take on the Chicago Bears on the road at Soldier Field. In the Bengals’ first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Joe Burrow returned from last year’s season-ending wrist injury, playing 13 snaps and going 5 of 7 for 51 yards and a touchdown.
While the Buccaneers triumphed over the Bengals 17-14, Burrow looked good, especially after being sidelined for the better part of last season due to his injury. His performance left fans eager for more, but the big question remains: Will Burrow take the field against the Bears?
Will Joe Burrow Take Snaps Against the Chicago Bears?
Fans expecting to see Burrow in action against Chicago will have to wait a little longer. He participated in the joint practice session against the Bears on Thursday but will not suit up on Saturday.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has confirmed that Cincinnati’s starters, including Burrow, will not take the field for the team’s second preseason game.
Instead, Burrow will be on the sidelines on Saturday as a precaution to keep him fresh and injury-free. Taylor did not reveal Burrow’s availability for the Bengals’ final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The star quarterback desires to take a hit before the regular season begins. Burrow, who didn’t get hit a single time against Tampa Bay, would love to experience that feeling before the regular season starts.
“It would probably help me mentally more than anything. Just understanding falling can hurt. Just get that thing hit one time before you’re out there in a real game.”
The 27-year-old Iowa native has had challenging offseasons in the past. From a knee surgery rehabilitation in 2021 to an appendectomy surgery in the fall camp of 2022 to battling a calf strain in his right leg last year, the time before the regular season hasn’t been kind to Burrow.
His recent performances show that he’s shaking off the rust and getting back to top form.
“These are the reps I haven’t had the last couple of years. The more reps you get before the season, the better you’ll be. I’m happy where I’m at and moving in the right direction.”
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However, the Cincinnati QB declared that he’ll be in the best shape when the Bengals take on the New England Patriots in the season opener on Sept. 8 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Talking to Geoff Hobson, Burrow said: “When game one comes, I’ll be ready.”
While the Bengals’ priority remains to keep Burrow healthy for the regular season, his desire to get acclimated to game conditions might just see him take a few snaps in the final preseason game.
For now, though, Burrow’s appearance against the Bears will be in street clothes.
