Cincinnati Bengals fans will not see quarterback Joe Burrow play in the final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend, as head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the starters, including Burrow, will be held out to avoid unnecessary risk ahead of the regular season. Despite Burrow expressing willingness to play Monday night, the coaching staff prioritized player health as the season opener approaches.

Zac Taylor’s reasoning behind resting starters in preseason

In a press conference on Wednesday, Zac Taylor revealed that he had not openly discussed the decision in detail with all players but made it clear that the key starters will not participate in the third preseason game.

“I haven’t talked in depth with the players about this third game,”

Taylor said.

“I’ve talked to Joe, I haven’t specifically told these guys they’re not playing. But they’re not playing.”

The move reflects a strategic pivot for the Bengals, who previously tested involving stars for longer periods during preseason to improve timing and execution. However, with the opener only days away, Taylor and his staff decided the potential injury risk outweighed the benefits of additional game action.

Addressing Cincinnati’s history of slow season starts

The Bengals have faced challenges early in past seasons, starting 0-3 in 2024, 1-3 in 2023, and 0-2 in 2022. These starts forced the team to push hard midseason to reach the playoffs. Taylor’s experiment to give more exposure to starters in the preseason aimed to break this pattern by sharpening the team’s readiness. Although Burrow and the starters saw more action earlier in preseason games, the coaching staff now feels confident about the team’s current form, reducing the need for further exposure.

“I feel good about where our team’s at right now,”

Taylor stated.

“So, again, I’m excited to get through the preseason and go play games because I see what I see in practice. So, I’m just really excited, from top to bottom, about a lot of the players we have.”

Joe Burrow’s health and its impact on Bengals’ 2025 prospects

Burrow, entering his fifth NFL season, has grappled with injuries during previous training camps, including a calf strain in 2023 that limited his early preparation. This summer, however, he has looked both healthy and sharp in practice. Given the quarterback’s critical role, the Bengals are determined to protect him from injury risks, seeing his well-being as central to their hopes of contending in 2025.

Upcoming challenges and the season opener focus

The Bengals begin their 2025 campaign on September 7, traveling to face AFC North rival Cleveland Browns. This divisional matchup will be an immediate test of Cincinnati’s competitiveness. Following that, they host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 before road games against the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos test the team further. While fans may be disappointed at not witnessing Burrow in preseason action again until the regular season, the decision highlights the organization’s goal of entering the season with a fully healthy and prepared roster. After years of early-season setbacks, Cincinnati seeks to change course and perform more consistently right from the start.