Overview
- Joe Burrow said Cincinnati must change to return to contention as he prepares for a Week 18 start that ends the Bengals’ third straight non-playoff season.
- Myles Garrett enters the finale with 22 sacks and says he expects to play through a hip issue as he seeks one more to break the NFL single-season mark of 22.5.
- Cleveland ruled out tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. and linebacker Carson Schwesinger, leaving rookie QB Shedeur Sanders short-handed for the finale.
- Kevin Stefanski’s future remains uncertain, with Myles Garrett declining to endorse the head coach and publicly praising coordinator Jim Schwartz as speculation grows about potential changes.
- Zac Taylor is expected to return in Cincinnati with Burrow’s backing, as the Bengals close on improved form and a defense generating more takeaways late in the season.