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last wk.

Bengals to Sit Joe Burrow, Starters in Preseason Finale After Expanded Reps

Zac Taylor says the earlier snaps were intentional preparation to counter the team's September slump.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) takes the field in the third quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Washington Commanders and the Cincinnati Bengals at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. The Bengals won the game, 31-17.
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Overview

  • Taylor confirmed starters will not play Saturday against the Colts, ending Burrow’s preseason.
  • Burrow logged 39 snaps across two games, absorbing several hard hits in Washington, including a horse-collar tackle that drew a flag.
  • ESPN’s Jason Kelce and Stephen A. Smith criticized keeping Burrow in after those hits, while other voices stressed the value of live reps.
  • Taylor defended the plan with a “can’t live in fear” stance, said the team feels further along than last year, and noted Burrow lobbied to play more.
  • Context includes urgency to avoid early stumbles and roster factors such as Cordell Volson’s season-ending injury and ongoing talks with Trey Hendrickson.