The Cincinnati Bengals may have not had the best of luck in the 2023 NFL season, but this year’s version of the team looks ready to compete in a tough AFC North.
The Bengals were marred by injuries to some of their key players in 2023, though none was more harmful than the one to Joe Burrow as he was forced to miss the second half of the year due to a wrist injury.
Without Burrow, Cincinnati’s offense predictably crumbled and they missed the postseason altogether.
However, Burrow is by all accounts healthy and should be full-go for Week 1 of the upcoming 2024 NFL campaign.
Before the start of the new season, Cincinnati will have three preseason games to tune up with their first one coming on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Head coach Zac Taylor revealed that he and the coaching staff intend to have Burrow play against the Buccaneers via Up & Adams.
“I intend for Joe to play,” Taylor said.
Head coach Zac Taylor on if QB Joe Burrow will play in the #Bengals first preseason game… 👀
“I intend for Joe to play.”
Burrow hasn’t taken a preseason snap since 2021. @heykayadams @JoeyB @Bengals #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/7vQ7htrC6O
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 4, 2024
In recent years, teams have opted to rest most of their key starters in preseason to prevent any injuries.
However, Taylor reveals that he and Burrow have talked over the years and the coach has lobbied for his quarterback to play.
Taylor explains that if Burrow were to sit, then it would lead to more decisions about whether or not certain pieces of the offense should also play.
Instead, this year it appears that Burrow will appear in the preseason to help shake off some rust though it’s hard to imagine that he plays more than a few series.