Overview
- Coach Zac Taylor confirmed Thursday that Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and other regular starters will not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
- The Bengals plan to run the first‑team through scripted, situational reps during Thursday’s joint practice with Chicago instead of using live game snaps for preparation.
- Fourth‑round pick Erick All Jr. will participate in 11‑on‑11 drills in the joint practice, but Taylor said a decision on his availability for Saturday’s game has not been made.
- With starters held out, Cincinnati will use the Saturday game to evaluate backups and roster hopefuls, giving longer live snaps to players such as Jack Endries and Cashius Howell.
- The move fits a wider NFL pattern of limiting preseason starter snaps and leaves the Bengals one more exhibition at Philadelphia on Aug. 28 before the Sept. 13 regular‑season opener.