Joe Burrow was absent from the field during the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night, a decision that was not under his control. Despite his strong desire to participate, Burrow had to watch from the sidelines, as the decision to keep him out of the game was made by the coaching staff. Burrow, appearing on the live broadcast on Amazon Prime Video during the second quarter, clarified that he would have preferred to play, though the choice was ultimately not his.
Burrow expressed some disappointment about not being on the field, stating, “That’s not my choice. I would have probably preferred to play a little bit today. But we got a good workout in this morning, got some throws in. It’s nice to watch these guys try to go out and make the team, so I’m just here to support them today.” His remarks highlighted his eagerness to contribute, but also his understanding of the team’s approach.
This situation isn’t surprising given Burrow’s previous comments about wanting to experience a hit during preseason play. Burrow had mentioned his desire to take a hit for mental preparation, reflecting his belief that experiencing a fall and the associated physical contact could be beneficial before the regular season. He said, “It would probably help me mentally more than anything. Just understanding falling can hurt. Just get that thing hit one time before you’re out there in a real game.”
While Burrow’s wish to play and get that initial contact out of the way is understandable, it aligns with the Bengals’ strategy to prioritize his health over the preseason game. The coaching staff’s decision to keep Burrow off the field was driven by the goal of ensuring he enters the regular season fully healthy, rather than risking injury in a game that holds little significance for him.
Throughout Cincinnati’s preseason, Burrow played only one drive across three games. During that brief appearance, he demonstrated his capability by completing 5 of 7 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This limited exposure allowed him to showcase his skills while still protecting his overall well-being.
With the preseason now concluded, Burrow’s next appearance will be in the Bengals’ regular-season opener against the New England Patriots on September 8. The team and fans alike will look forward to seeing Burrow in action as the regular season gets underway, having ensured he is well-prepared and healthy for the more critical games ahead.
