:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69787802/1289769043.0.jpg)
The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2021 preseason slate wraps up on Sunday afternoon against a familiar out-of-division opponent in the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Zac Taylor has faced his former employer twice since taking over in Cincinnati, but he hasn’t had the chance to play his franchise quarterback against them until now.
Taylor will deploy Joe Burrow for the first time since the 24-year old suffered his infamous injury last November. It’s the unofficial conclusion to Burrow’s recovery, as he’ll use this exhibition to get his feet wet for the regular season opener in two week’s time.
How long Burrow will play for is unknown, but watching him and center Trey Hopkins trot out onto the field before the month of September will impressive in its own right. Their absences have limited what the offense has been able to do this month, so adding them back into the equation will be huge for next month.
Burrow and Hopkins don’t have to worry about getting cut after Sunday’s game, but several of their teammates do. Teams have to get down to 53 players just 48 hours after Sunday’s 4:00 p.m. kickoff. Most of Cincinnati’s roster should be finalized by now barring injuries. The remaining available spots are likely at wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, and maybe even running back.
Can the Bengals close out the preseason with a winning record? Follow this story stream for all the news, updates, and analysis from the Bengals’ Week 3 preseason matchup with the Dolphins!