Buckle up football fans, because exciting times are ahead as the Cincinnati Bengals gear up to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their upcoming preseason game. Set your clocks for 7 pm ET and make sure to tune in to the Bengals Preseason Network for all the action.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been sidelined during the last two preseasons. In the previous season, Burrow suffered a calf injury during training camp, which plagued him through the regular season. However, the season before that, Burrow was a notable absence in the preseason lineup, sparking speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Head coach Zac Taylor is looking to switch things up this year by potentially allowing his starters to take the field in the first preseason game. The duration of their playing time remains uncertain, but the goal is to strike a balance between getting valuable game experience and avoiding unnecessary wear and tear before the start of the regular season.
In the old format with four preseason games, the starters typically saw increased playtime as the games progressed, culminating in the third game’s “dress rehearsal” where they would often feature for the entire first half. However, with the reduced number of preseason games to three, the strategy has shifted, leaving fans eagerly awaiting to see the starters, including Burrow, in action for the first time since 2021.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming matchup, fans are hopeful that Burrow and the rest of the team will deliver an exciting performance that sets the tone for a successful season ahead. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for some thrilling preseason football action next weekend!