If there’s one thing the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to avoid in 2025, it’s a slow start. Had they beat the New England Patriots in Week 1 last season, Joe Burrow and crew could’ve been poised for a deep run in the postseason.
Zac Taylor recognizes that, so he’s changing things up this season. Taylor recently spoke to the media where he made a shocking announcement on the starters status for Thursday’s preseason opener against the reigning Super Bowl Champions.
Cincinnati Bengals Sport New Approach Ahead of Thursday’s Preseason Opener
With one of the top offenses in the league, fans in Philadelphia are in for a treat on August 7. The Eagles play host to the Bengals as each team opens their preseason campaign.
Cincinnati has one of the most unique preseason schedules in the entire league. They begin on Thursday, August 7. They’ll then have 11 days to rest ahead of a date in Washington D.C. against the Commanders on Monday, August 18. From there, they’ll host the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, August 23.
#Bengals coach Zac Taylor tells reporters that QB Joe Burrow and other big name players will play several series on Thursday night and more in game two against the #Commanders. New way of doing it, with eyes on starting fast.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2025
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Taylor took the podium to confirm that Burrow and “other big name players” will play “several series” in their preseason opener. While the Eagles may not be playing their starters, it’s still a great chance for everyone to mesh with live-action football.
It was later clarified that Burrow and company likely wouldn’t play past the first quarter. Whether they start one series or three will likely depend on how the quarter plays out.
Burrow has rarely played in the preseason. Other teams opt not to play their starters, and usually turn out just fine in the regular season. Looking to change things up, Taylor is counting on Burrow in these first two preseason games.
Preseason Outlook
Two tight ends will not be suiting up for the Bengals on Thursday. Neither Mike Gesicki nor Noah Fant will play. Fant’s non-participation is understandable as he’s still a newcomer to the team.
Per ZT: Dax Hill, CTB, Trey, BJ Hill, Cedric Johnson and Marco Wilson OUT this Thursday at Philly. Matt Lee, Mike Gesicki are out, would be “questionable for a real game” this week… really protective with Mike.” Noah Fant will not play. Mims will play “We don’t have this pegged…
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) August 5, 2025
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As for Gesicki, Burrow’s top tight end will be out due to injury. It’s not a serious one, as Taylor expects he would have played if this was the regular season.
The Bengals opener against the Eagles will be only a taste of what’s to come against the Commanders. Their head coach emphasized that the starters will play even more in the second game of the preseason. His decision comes on the heels of Cincinnati not making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Fans Divided Taylor’s Decision
One individual asked, “I get it. Cincy started slowly last year. But a number of teams sit their starters most of the preseason, and they all don’t suffer from slow starts. Is this just introducing an unnecessary injury risk?”
It’s a valid question that the Bengals undoubtedly considered. Knowing Burrow’s history of injuries, it seems unlikely that he’d be playing in the preseason if there was anything going on behind the scenes. That said, anything can happen on the field.
“Preseason… giving soft tissue injuries a head start,” another commented. While many praised Taylor’s decision, it’s one that could greatly benefit or harm the team.
“Bengals actually staring their players in the preseason,” this fan said with a shocked emoji. Someone else added, “The Bengals discovering what the preseason is actually for in big 2025 good job.”
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