![\"LANDOVER,](\"https:\/\/img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net\/tenant\/amp\/entityid\/AA1KOkiS.img?w=768&h=509&m=6&x=419&y=167&s=158&d=158\")
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A collective moment of panic was felt by the Cincinnati Bengals and the football community as a whole in Monday\u2019s preseason Week 2 matchup with the Washington Commanders.<\/p>\n
Joe Burrow took a frightening horse-caller hit from Commanders defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. early in the first quarter, prompting concern about his health and the enormous risks of the Bengals franchise QB\u2019s extensive play in these exhibition games.<\/p>\n
Burrow, who completed nine of 14 passes for 62 yards and a touchdown to Charlie Jones in the 31-17 victory, finally exited early in the second quarter. The 28-year-old Pro Bowler has looked very sharp in two preseason appearances, and has shown that the Bengals offense remains among the most explosive in the NFL.<\/p>\n
Despite the risks that come with seeing game action before Week 1, Burrow has kept the focus on improving his timing and chemistry with the receivers. When asked about whether he might shut it down for the remainder of the preseason, he left a candid response about how important the reps are to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we\u2019ll see. We\u2019ll have those conversations this week. I know it\u2019s a short week, so I doubt it. But I always find those reps valuable, and I can get better from those, so whatever [Bengals HC] Zac [Taylor] decides on, I\u2019m happy to go out there and play as well. Some good learning experiences in the couple drives that we\u2019ve had, got some fumbles out of the way, so that was good. Yeah, those are just incredibly valuable reps that usually work out those kinks in the first couple weeks of the regular season, and we worked them out the last two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
True to form, Burrow kept his perspective grounded and honest. It\u2019s not about bravado for him. He sees this as an opportunity that many of his QB peers around the league don\u2019t always approach with the same diligence.<\/p>\n
Like any coach, Zac Taylor has the burden of getting his star players reps with protecting them from unnecessary risk.<\/p>\n
Taylor fielded questions about why Burrow was still out there beyond the first pair of Bengals drives, even after Ja\u2019Marr Chase and other key starters had already been pulled.<\/p>\n
\nJoe Burrow got up and is OK, but this is 100% the last drive he should get tonight. He\u2019s taken multiple hits. Horse collar tackle extends the drive. pic.twitter.com\/1pJEDxb9ao<\/a><\/p>\n
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n