Overview
- Joe Burrow told reporters Thursday that he is treating 2026 as a "now or never" season, urging urgency inside the Bengals locker room.
- A joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Thursday produced a brief scuffle after reporters said Bears defender Dayo Odeyingbo held Burrow's jersey and would not let go; Burrow later downplayed the incident as part of practice intensity.
- Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase responded to the episode by bluntly demanding stronger protection for Burrow, saying the team "better f***ing protect Joe."
- Preseason reps earlier this month and the joint practice featured multiple pressures, a sack and at least one hit on Burrow, renewing scrutiny of the offensive line's ability to keep him upright.
- Cincinnati spent the offseason adding veterans on defense, including Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe, and now faces a short window before the Sept. 13 opener to resolve protection and cohesion issues that will determine the team's immediate prospects.