**Bengals’ Joe Burrow Faces Injury Scares in Preseason Action**
**Meta Description:** Joe Burrow’s risky plays in the Bengals’ preseason raise concerns among fans as he seeks to improve team performance ahead of the regular season.
**URL Slug:** bengals-joe-burrow-preseason-injury-scare
**Bengals’ Joe Burrow Faces Injury Scares in Preseason Action**
As the NFL preseason unfolds, teams grapple with the dilemma of whether to give their starting quarterbacks game time or keep them sidelined to prevent injuries. The Cincinnati Bengals have opted for the former approach with their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, who has been getting significant playing time this preseason. This decision comes in light of the Bengals’ slow starts in recent seasons, prompting the coaching staff to ensure that key players like Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are well-prepared for the upcoming regular season.
However, Bengals fans were left anxious during Monday night’s game against the Washington Commanders. In the first quarter, Burrow made a risky move by scrambling outside the pocket while being pursued by multiple defenders. Instead of opting for a safer route by going out of bounds or sliding, he attempted to evade the defenders, resulting in a chaotic play where he ended up running more than 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage before being sacked by three Washington linemen near the goal line. This prompted concern from analysts, with one remarking that such plays are not ideal for a quarterback, especially in a preseason game.
The tension escalated when Burrow faced another alarming moment as the Bengals’ offensive line collapsed. In an attempt to escape, he was tackled in a horse-collar manner, leading to a 15-yard penalty against the Commanders. Fans were understandably unsettled seeing their franchise quarterback thrown to the ground in such a manner.
While other quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson have opted out of preseason snaps, the Bengals are taking a different route, hoping to avoid the slow starts that have plagued them in previous seasons. Despite the concerns surrounding Burrow’s safety, he has shown promise in his preseason performances, completing 18 of 24 passes for three touchdowns across two games against the Commanders and the Eagles.
Head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the risks involved, stating, “Do I love seeing that? No, I don’t. But, at the same time, he’s out there learning what he can and can’t do.” Taylor emphasized the importance of preseason for Burrow to gain experience and adapt to game situations, noting that these moments are crucial for his development.
As the Bengals continue their preseason journey, fans will be watching closely, hoping for a balance between preparation and player safety as they gear up for the regular season.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Joe Burrow playing in the preseason?**
A: Joe Burrow is playing in the preseason to gain valuable game experience and improve team performance, especially after the Bengals’ slow starts in previous seasons.