The highlight from the Bengals’ 36-19 preseason opener loss to the Green Bay Packers came hours before kickoff on Friday.
Joe Burrow had his first throwing session since suffering a strained right calf injury at the end of a July training camp practice where he was carted off the field.
After the initial injury, fifth-year Bengals coach Zac Taylor said the quarterback would be out for “several weeks” and on Friday he didn’t add anything new to his predicted timeline, but mentioned that things are trending in the right direction.
“I think things are good, and he’s progressing as he should,” Taylor told reporters after the game, per the Associated Press.
The fourth-year quarterback made his first appearance back on the field on Wednesday’s joint practice with the Packers, and his presence seemed to be appreciated by coaches and teammates.
“He’s been rehabbing quite a bit,” Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said after the joint practice, according to ESPN. “He’s doing a good job and to have him out at practice is always beneficial. Guys like seeing him too. I think you saw everybody excited to have him out, standing around watching.”
On Friday, Cincinnati’s only touchdown came from the defense — a 43-yard pick-six from safety Tycen Anderson.
A meager offense was led by Jake Browning, who went 10-of-17 passing for 95 yards and one interception in the first half.
Trevor Siemian also played and was 15-of-28 for 121 passing yards and an interception.
The Bengals kick off their season against the Browns on Sept. 10, and the team will be hoping Burrow can return.
Since joining the Bengals as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has led Cincinnati to the playoffs in two out of his three years in the league, with a Super Bowl appearance in 2022.