Another day, another practice for the Cincinnati Bengals, who wrapped up their 16th day of training camp on Monday. The team is preparing for their final preseason game this Saturday, which will come against the Washington Commanders.
With that said, let's check out some takeaways from Day 16 of training camp.
Taylor on the QB2 battle: "That race is not over"
One of the major talking points this preseason has been the lackluster performances from Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian, both of whom are trying to win the backup quarterback job. While some were quick to crown Browning as the victor after he played better than Siemian on Friday, head coach Zac Taylor said that the race isn't over.
Zac Taylor said both backup QBs did "stuff we needed to see" in two-minute situations. "That racee is not over. We have three days of work this week and a game.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 21, 2023
Burrow is recovering well
After getting injured on the second day of training camp, we haven't seen Joe Burrow do much except for some light throwing and running. Taylor said on Monday when speaking to the media that Burrow "looks great". He noted that "he looks as good as he's ever looked". This is obviously the news Bengals fans wanted to hear because without Burrow, the Super Bowl aspirations go out the window.
#Bengals coach Zac Taylor, on QB Joe Burrow: “He looks great. Physically walking around, he looks as good as he's ever looked.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 21, 2023
Injuries
Per Taylor, there were a few new injuries that popped up since we last heard from him. He mentioned that both Cody Ford and Marvell Tell suffered concussions either in practice or in the previous game. He also said that DJ Turner and BJ Hill are dealing with some soreness.
A few notes from the Zac Taylor press conference today:
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 21, 2023
OL Cody Ford suffered a concussion in practice yesterday.
CB Marvell Tell suffered one in the game.
CB DJ Turner is day to day with soreness.
DT BJ Hill has soreness as well, no concerns.
Wilcox off PUP and practicing
The Bengals recently signed Mitchell Wilcox and placed him on the PUP list after signing him. On Monday, Wilcox was at practice and that probably puts him in a strong position to land on the final roster due to his familiarity with the offense.
It’s good to see tight end Mitch Wilcox (84) back at practice pic.twitter.com/MDQlo4oKTI
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 21, 2023
Awuzie back at it
Speaking of injured players, Chidobe Awuzie tore his ACL midway through the 2022 season and we haven't seen him very active so far in training camp. On Monday, however, he was on the field for 11-on-11 drills and covered Ja'Marr Chase well. He told the media after practice that he doesn't need many reps to be ready for Week 1.
Chidobe Awuzie on the field for 11 on 11, and he has great coverage on the first play while guarding Chase. What a comeback.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 21, 2023
He took one snap and now subs out. Looks like part of the plan.
Logan Wilson shines
We all knew that extending Logan Wilson was a smart move but he continued to show why that is with an incredible play on Monday. Jake Browning tossed a ball high to Joe Mixon in the end zone and Wilson leapt up and made the pick.
That red zone play was followed by this amazing 1-handed pick by Logan Wilson in end zone. pic.twitter.com/HGrvVnkPY1
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) August 21, 2023
Defense has another dominant day
This is probably a different looking camp if Burrow had been out there for more than just two days but the defense has been winning most of the practices, if not all of them. They had another great day on Monday, as Wilson had that crazy athletic play, Jalen Davis snagged two picks, and Mike Hilton nearly had two interceptions.
Great day for #Bengals defense.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 21, 2023
Jalen Davis with two interceptions, including what would have been a red zone pick 6 of a Trevor Siemian.
Another day another pick for Mike Hilton, also nearly had a second go through his hands.
Then L. Wilson with a one-hander in the RZ.