Bengals Notebook: Boyd's Connection With Burrow Puts Him Among NFL Leaders; Injured Try To Get Back For Steelers; Versatile Adeniji Gives Bengals Flexibility
Much is going to be written this week about Joe Burrow, ranging from what he'll do this bye week ("sit in the hot tub, watch some movies, relax and get the body right") to what mid-term grade he'd give himself ("I don't know," and "I think I'm off to a pretty good start") to his favorite play of his first first half ("If I would've gotten a first down on that scramble last game that would've been pretty cool"), but even though he got almost as many yards (six) as missed tackles (five) he couldn't quite convert that miraculous third-and-ten.
Photo Gallery | Wednesday Practice | Bye Week
Check out the best practice photos from the Bengals' bye week practice on Nov. 4, 2020.
Taylor Made Takes: Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talks about the 2020 rookie class with Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins
Do it during the bye week. Watch every snap that you've played the first eight weeks and find ways where you can hit another level these last eight games. These last eight games I want those to be your year two. We drafted them for a reason. They're captains. They have a lot of talent. They understand how to manage that and we have high expectations for them because they can handle it.
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow says he's 'just scratching the surface' of his potential
The Bengals (2-5-1) have leaned on the 2020 top overall draft pick throughout the season, and the rookie has responded. He is third in the NFL with 2,272 passing yards heading into Week 9, which is on pace to beat Andrew Luck's rookie record set in 2012.
Zac Taylor shares expectations for Joe Burrow over final eight games
Most isn’t a bad word there despite how broadly it pans. Burrow has exceeded expectations despite the lack of a preseason and some tough surroundings on a team with a struggling offensive line that just can’t catch a break from the injury bug.
Joe Burrow eyes first showdown vs. Steelers after Bengals’ bye
Burrow’s Bengals rest on a bye this week before the Week 9 showdown in Pittsburgh. But in exit interviews, before the players got a week off, rest assured the No. 1 pick cast a glance in the Steelers’ direction.
Bengals Using Bye to Evaluate O-Line Before Matchup Against Steelers' Dominant Defense
Alex Redmond, who wasn't on the Bengals' opening day roster, was the only linemen that was in the starting lineup prior to Sunday. Fred Johnson, Hakeem Adeniji and Billy Price played every offensive snap (73). Veteran Quinton Spain, who signed with the team two days prior, was on the field for 62 (85%) of the offensive snaps.
Bengals Plan to 'Expand' Auden Tate's Role on Offense
"He did what he's always done. He makes these circus grabs that I don't think very many people in the NFL can make," offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said. "His catch radius is off the charts and he's got great strong hands. He's definitely got a role that we have to expand and will expand as we move forward."
Around the league
Packers-49ers 'TNF' matchup set to be played with no additional positive COVID-19 tests
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the game is slated to be played as scheduled after there were no additional positive tests from Wednesday's round of testing, per sources informed of the situation.
J.J. Watt on future in Houston: 'I'm not looking to rebuild'
"I don't think it's any secret that I don't have 10 years left in this league," Watt said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "I personally believe that I do have a few more great ones left in me. But you also can't ... I'm not looking to rebuild. I'm looking to go after a championship, and that's what I want to do. So, whatever is in the best interest of the Houston Texans, that's in the best interest of myself."
Texans, Colts enter COVID-19 protocols after latest positive tests
"We were informed last night that a Texans player has tested positive for COVID-19," the team said in a statement. "In consultation with the NFL and medical experts, we have made the decision to close the facility and conduct all operations virtually today. The player immediately self-isolated and contact tracing has begun. We will follow the NFL's intensive protocols and guidance regarding the team's operations. The health and safety of our team, as well as our entire staff, are of highest priority."
Ravens' Lamar Jackson shoulders blame for Marquise Brown's lack of targets
Baltimore Ravens receiver Marquise Brown is frustrated with his role this season. The second-year wideout let that irritation out with a since-deleted tweet that complained he wasn't being used.
49ers WR Aiyuk, OL Williams placed on COVID-19 list
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Trent Williams are being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will be out for Thursday night's game against the Green Bay Packers, which is still on as scheduled, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday night.