Joe Burrow eyeing Bengals vs. Rams preseason debut

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has his eyes on one thing in 2022: returning to the Super Bowl. And revenge against a certain NFC team.

Burrow has missed most of Bengals training camp so far due to an appendectomy, but he returned to full participation in 11-on-11 drills last Wednesday. He’s been working hard to regain his strength and put on muscle for the upcoming season after enjoying an incredible first season back from his ACL injury.

When the Bengals have joint practices with the Rams next week, Burrow will likely be given the green light to take reps, and he may get a heavy dose of deja vu when he faces the blue and yellow jerseys that sacked him seven times in the Super Bowl.

The good thing about joint practices? No one’s getting anywhere close to Joe Burrow.

Burrow told The Athletic:

"“Those are basically game reps. You’re not gonna be getting hit, but you’re going to be facing a different opponent in a practice situation that will be controlled. So you don’t have to worry about getting hurt, but it’s a game rep.”"

Bengals’ Joe Burrow is excited to play against Rams in preseason joint practices

There’s history between these two teams, and even though the joint practices will be controlled environments meant to offer valuable reps while minimizing injury risk, the Bengals will want to make a strong statement.

Besides, Burrow should be fairly well protected by his new big three: Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and La’el Collins, all of whom should be healthy for next week’s practices. Collins has been recovering from a back issue that has limited him in camp practices, but the veteran offensive lineman said there was “no doubt” that he would be back next Wednesday and Thursday to play against the Rams.

Burrow, the 2021 Comeback Player of the Year, posted 263 passing yards and one touchdown against zero interceptions in the crushing championship loss, and Cincy has since made crucial changes to prepare for another successful season.

With a revamped offensive line, extra defensive depth, and several key re-signings, Cincinnati head into 2022 as a stout playoff contender with a narrowing Super Bowl window.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals are in win-now mode this year, and even though it’s only preseason, they won’t turn down the opportunity to get some sweet, sweet revenge as well.