QB, Joe Burrow The Cincinnati Bengals faced a challenging day during their joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, marked by significant setbacks. The practice session, intended to be a productive lead-up to the upcoming season, instead proved to be fraught with difficulties for the Bengals.
One of the most notable issues was the performance of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who had a rough outing against the Bears’ starting defense. The Bears’ defense, which has been notably effective during training camp, managed to stymie Burrow’s efforts. Burrow ended the practice with three interceptions, highlighting the struggles he encountered against the Bears’ defensive unit. Due to the struggles during practice and the decision to rest their starters, Burrow will not participate in the Bengals’ preseason game against the Bears on Saturday.
However, Burrow’s performance was not the only concern for the Bengals on Thursday. The team also faced significant injury issues during the practice. Running back Chris Evans and offensive tackle D’ante Smith were both carted off the field after sustaining injuries. The practice session took place on wet grass, which likely contributed to the injuries. The decision to hold the practice despite the challenging conditions has come under scrutiny, especially in light of the injuries sustained by key players.
Evans and Smith’s injuries are particularly concerning as they impact crucial positions on the team. Evans, who has been a valuable offensive weapon for the Bengals, will be missed significantly. Smith’s injury also raises concerns about the Bengals’ offensive line depth and stability moving forward.
The Bengals’ practice session on Thursday serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of training camp and the risks involved in joint practices. While these sessions are designed to prepare teams for the upcoming season, they can also lead to unforeseen challenges and setbacks. For the Bengals, this practice has underscored the need to carefully manage player health and address any emerging issues as they prepare for the regular season.
