Joe Burrow isn’t spending much time selling caution these days.
The Bengals quarterback said he’s feeling better prepared than ever for what Cincinnati needs from him, and he believes the lessons of recent injuries have sharpened his game rather than dulled it. Burrow pointed to moments where, in the past, his athleticism might have allowed him to extend a play, but last year he had to make quicker, safer decisions and keep the offense moving.
“It’s where there’s a free runner in the pocket and I just dirt it, or a keeper and I get pressure, and I just throw it away, where normally my physical ability would have let me make that guy miss and go make a play; last year I couldn’t,” Burrow said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “I had to get rid of the ball and live to see another down a little bit.
Not being able to move around, I had to tailor my game to that. And so, as I said, I can play quarterback a lot of different ways.
When it’s needed in the fourth quarter, I can go and do that. I can mitigate risk early in the game until it’s needed.”
That optimism comes as Cincinnati works through a few injury-related lineup notes of its own. Ja’Marr Chase will be limited this week, though Zac Taylor said he feels good about him, per Jay Morrison. Tee Higgins is also limited because of a heel contusion, while Daxton Hill is set to work his way back this week and Shemar Stewart will stay on the rehab field this week, according to Morrison.
In Cleveland, Todd Monken kept a few cards close to the vest. Asked about fifth-round tight end Joe Royer and whether he’ll play this year after missing all of camp for personal reasons, Monken declined to comment, per Scott Petrak.
Monken did offer a clearer read on the right guard competition. Teven Jenkins has the edge for the starting job right now, but third-round pick Austin Barber still has a path to take it. “It’s not done yet,” Monken said, via Mary Kay Cabot.
The Browns are also getting a look at how the offense is being viewed from the other side of the ball. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger said the unit has plenty to work with, especially with the added weapons at receiver and the pieces up front.
“There’s a lot that they can do. The WR position has gained a lot of dynamic players, which is something you always have to account for.
Same thing on the O line … they’re going to put some points on the board.” Schwesinger said, via Tony Grossi.
There was also an update on rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Monken believes Gabriel suffered his back injury on a third-down run last Thursday, but he doesn’t view it as a major issue, according to Zac Jackson. Without Gabriel, Monken said Shedeur Sanders and sixth-rounder Taylen Green will split scout team reps for the next two weeks.
Monken also said guard Zak Zinter earned his roster spot with what he’s done over the last two preseason games, per Jackson.
In Pittsburgh, Omar Khan addressed a few roster decisions that have shaped the Steelers’ initial 53. On the moves involving OT Broderick Jones and RB Kaleb Johnson, Khan said, “We still think they’re really good football players, but sometimes a change of scenery is good for everyone.” Brooke Pryor reported the comments.
Khan also explained the decision to keep four quarterbacks. “We really like that room, really like the mix of guys who are in there. Excited about the future with those guys,” he said, via Pryor.
There was more on the defensive side, too. Khan said safety DeShon Elliott did not suffer a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but the team is being careful because of the severity, according to Ray Fittipaldo.
At linebacker, the Steelers aren’t shutting the door on a familiar face. Khan said the team has not “closed the door” on bringing back Elandon Roberts for one of the four remaining practice squad spots.
“Not closing the door on that by any means. I have a lot of respect for E-Rob.
We have some history with him, and he’s done a good job and love the player and love the person, certainly not closing the door,” Khan said, via Pryor.
And with Elliott on IR, Khan said Pittsburgh likely will add a veteran safety in some form, while also noting that seventh-round pick Robert Spears-Jennings has impressed them with his development.
In Other News...
Bengals Suddenly Have A Week 1 Concern Fans Didn't Want
Tee Higgins missed Wednesdays practice with a heel contusion, giving the Bengals a little early-season unease as they turn toward Week 1. The expectation inside the building is still that Higgins will be ready for the opener, but any absence involving one of Joe Burrows top targets is enough to get attention this close to the start of the season.
JaMarr Chase also sat out with a hyperextended knee, though he is anticipated to play in the opener as well. Both injuries came during preseason activities, which makes this more of a timing issue than a long-term alarm, but Cincinnati would obviously prefer to get through the final stretch of preparations without any more setbacks for its receiving corps. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals May Have Found A Real Swing Tackle Option Already
The Bengals finished filling out their 16-player practice squad by adding offensive tackle Blake Freeland, cornerback Trikweze Bridges and defensive end Garmon Randolph, but Freeland is the name that stands out for the line. A former BYU standout and 2023 fourth-round pick of the Colts, the 25-year-old arrives with real NFL experience after appearing in 16 games and making nine starts as a rookie.
For Cincinnati, the appeal is obvious at a spot where depth can disappear quickly. Freeland also logged 153 preseason snaps recently, giving the Bengals another look at a player who could fit as a swing tackle if needed, and his addition at least gives the organization a viable option to develop while the rest of the roster settles in. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals May Be Repeating A Risky Contract Mistake Again
A familiar Bengals question is starting to surface again as the team weighs when to get a deal done for one of its key players. An NFL insider raised concerns that Cincinnati could be risking the same kind of contract timing issue it has faced before, with salary cap pressure potentially nudging the club toward a delay instead of moving early. For a team that has spent plenty of time trying to keep its core intact, the decision carries added weight.
The backdrop matters because Cincinnati is also sorting through injury updates and hearing more from players about where the team stands heading into the next stretch. Those little signals can shape how urgently the front office wants to act, especially when the roster outlook and the cap sheet are both in play. The bigger question now is whether the Bengals will treat this as a routine offseason negotiation, or as another one of those moments where waiting too long could make the outcome more complicated. [Read more 🡒]