Joe Burrow: Getting a 'game-like feel' is important for preseason

The Cincinnati Bengals announced Wednesday that quarterback Joe Burrow would start the final game of preseason action against the Miami Dolphins. It will be Burrow’s first game action since tearing his ACL last season, and Burrow stressed the importance of getting a “game-like feel” in practice before the season begins in full.

Joe Burrow to play in preseason

In a video released on the Bengals’ Twitter account, the number one draft pick from LSU spoke about the importance of getting reps in a game situation before his return to the field. Although the team’s plan was always to start him week one of the regular season, they had initially kept Burrow from any preseason games as he comes back from an ACL tear in week 11 of last season.

“This was the plan the whole time,” Burrow said. “We just didn’t want to tell you guys. I’m excited to get out there and have game-type feel. I think it’s important going into the last preseason game to be as close as you can to having a game-like feel. I’m going to be in the huddle during Game One so I need to be out there for the first play of this game.”

Head coach Zac Taylor announced on Wednesday that Burrow would be starting the final week of preseason. The plan according to Burrow was always to give him a chance to work out any issues he may still have before the season begins.

Burrow starting “always the plan”

Earlier in the week, Taylor’s decision appeared to be more fluid. The Bengals have to be cautious and weigh the pros and cons of putting Burrow into a game some would consider unnecessary.

“They’ve shown us enough to know that they’re going to be ready to play,” Taylor said of Burrow and center Trey Hopkins, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “It’s just a matter of what do we want do? Do we want to put those guys out there in a preseason game or just give them more rest and get them ready for the Minnesota game? We’ll take a couple more days before we make that decision since we’ve got a week here before that game.”

Despite the team’s confidence in Burrow, the decision to start him the final week in preseason was made to integrate him back into the team. Burrow felt his teammates needed to hear him calling plays in a real game huddle. His success will be measured in simply being involved in the game, and Burrow doesn’t expect to play many snaps in his return.