Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Looks Sharp in First Game Since Wrist Surgery
In his first game since wrist surgery, Joe Burrow found his rhythm quickly.
Completing five of seven passes for 51 yards, including a10-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins, Burrow appeared in midseason form during the Bengals' preseason opener.
Burrow played just one series in the Bengals' 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But that was enough to make him feel good about the progress he's made since last year's season-ending surgery on his throwing wrist.
"Still some work to do, but it was nice to be back out there," Burrow said via Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. "Scored that touchdown, had a little help. It was a nice start."
Playing his first preseason game since 2021, Burrow wasn't touched during his seven passing attempts. While he liked how his protection held up, Burrow said that getting hit is something he wants to deal with.
"It would probably help me mentally more than anything," Burrow said via Ben Baby of ESPN.com. "Just understanding falling can hurt. Just get that thing hit one time before you're out there in a real game."
Pittsburgh Steelers: First-Round Pick Troy Fautanu Will Reportedly Miss Two Weeks
First-round pick Troy Fautanu is going to miss some time, but it could have been worse.
Fautanu will reportedly miss two weeks after suffering a knee injury on Friday, via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Fautanu started at right tackle during Pittsburgh's 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans and is still expected to be the Week 1 starter.
"He's got a knee sprain, he'll be out this week, and I'll just kind of leave it at that," Head Coach Mike Tomlin said following Sunday’s practice. "We're really optimistic about a quick return from him but we'll take it day by day."
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson Is Cleared for Contact
Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been cleared for contact, Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday.
It's another positive step in Watson's recovery from shoulder surgery. Stefanski said Watson will take most of the reps in two joint practices with the Vikings this week.
"It's going to be their starters against our starters," Stefanski said via the Browns’ website. "It goes back to getting them ready for the season. "He'll get the vast majority of the reps. He'll get his work done versus them in a controlled setting."
Stefanski said Watson won't play in Saturday's preseason game, but he continues to be on track as he ramps up for the start of the regular season.
