Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and select starters will see action in Cincinnati’s preseason opener against the host Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, coach Zac Taylor told reporters Tuesday.

“Several series is what we’ll give those starters,” Taylor said.

Burrow, 28, has thrown a total of eight passes in preseason games the past four years. The two-time Pro Bowl selection completed 5 of 7 passes in the 2024 preseason, his first action in an exhibition game since 2021 when he threw an incompletion in his only attempt.

Taylor also noted that his starters will see their most preseason playing time in their Aug. 18 date with the host Washington Commanders.

Per Taylor, tight end Mike Gesicki, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, defensive tackle BJ Hill and defensive backs Cam Taylor-Britt and Daxton Hill will sit out Thursday’s game versus the Eagles.

Cincinnati’s starters are not expected to play in the preseason finale against the visiting Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 23.

Giving Burrow more preseason snaps may reflect the Bengals’ desire to avoid another slow start to the regular season. Cincinnati has started 0-2 in each of the past three campaigns, including 0-3 in 2024.

–Field Level Media