The Cincinnati Bengals were back at it on Monday for their 13th practice of training camp. The team practiced on Sunday for their first session since their preseason game and now they'll continue on and prepare for the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night.
Before we get to that second preseason game, let's first take a look at some takeaways from Day 13 of training camp.
Siemian to get the start
Jake Browning started the preseason opener and played the first half while Trevor Siemian played the second half. Obviously, Browning had the edge considering he had better talent around him but neither quarterback played well.
Before practice got underway, Zac Taylor spoke to the media and said that Siemian will get the nod to start this week. Perhaps having second-stringers around him instead of third-stringers will do wonders for the NFL journeyman as he looks to fight off Browning for the QB2 job.
Zac Taylor said the plan for this week's preseason game is Siemian getting the first half and Browning getting the second half, which is flipped from how it went last week. Continuing to trade opportunities.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 14, 2023
Bachie and Basham are back
Joe Bachie was injured during the preseason opener but he was back at practice on Monday, thankfully. Also back at practice, former Ohio product Tarell Basham who was injured early on in training camp.
DE Tarell Basham, who was working on the rehab field yesterday, is in uniform today for the first time in a few weeks. He’s not in pads, but he has his jersey and helmet. A big step for the new defensive end.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 14, 2023
No update on Burrow
Joe Burrow was injured on just the second day of training camp with what's been diagnosed as a calf strain. While he ran and threw passes on Friday evening before the Bengals played the Packers, we probably don't see Burrow until at least the season opener. Zac Taylor didn't give any updates on Burrow.
No update today from Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow’s timeline. Referred back to his several weeks timeline from a couple weeks ago. #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) August 14, 2023
Scary collision involving Higgins
Fortunately, Tee Higgins appears to be okay but there was certainly a moment during Monday's practice where fans were holding their breath. Nick Scott collided with Higgins, who fell to the ground. He didn't take another rep after this happened but according to Kelsey Conway, the receiver appears to be all right.
Tee didn’t take another rep at practice but is standing with the team with his helmet in hand. Appears to be OK https://t.co/9ilQJpUrDb
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) August 14, 2023
Rough day at the office for the offense
Bengals fans weren't feeling great about the backup quarterback situation following the preseason opener but now, they might be even more nervous about it should anything keep Burrow out for more than a handful of games. Monday's practice was another rough go of it for the two signal-callers and it's left some fans wondering if the backup quarterback isn't on the roster.
Probably the worst day of camp for the Bengals offense.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 14, 2023
The processing, accuracy and timing from the quarterbacks haven’t clicked. Some very forced throws leading to tipped passes or turnovers. Browning and Siemian have traded reps throughout practice.