8 thoughts about the second practice of Bengals training camp

Takeaways and notes from the second practice of Bengals training camp.

Day 2 of Cincinnati Bengals training camp was much like the first. 

Meaning, littered with impressive showings from offensive players primed for breakouts and question marks around some key names.

Some thoughts on the day:

  1. Some are making far too big of a deal over Ja’Marr Chase taking it easy. Zac Taylor made it clear that would happen. There’s zero reason to think it is contract-related. And we are literally about one year to the day (July 27) from Joe Burrow’s non-contact injury that derailed an entire season. In other words, relax.
  2. Mike Gesicki had a one-handed grab of note and was once again a standout part of the offense. There’s a real chance he can be the best tight end of the Burrow era.
  3. Breakout candidate and rookie Jermaine Burton caught a deep pass from Jake Browning, using his speed to break free. It’s looking harder to imagine he won’t see the field regularly.
  4. No practice for Trey Hendrickson. It’s just another veteran the coaches will go slow with, seeing as it’s late July, after all.
  5. The emerging big winner at wideout so far? Andrei Iosivas, who keeps getting looks in the slot and making those expected big plays.
  6. Looking more and more like Chase Brown is heading for that massive breakout if he can stay healthy. He started practice by working with the wide receivers — a continuation of the pass-catching emphasis of his offseason.
  7. Amarius Mims…the tight end? The Bengals have shown a ton of multiple looks already, which will make them more versatile next season.
  8. Joe Burrow looks good. Really good. He’s still getting on the same page as some of the new guys, but he’s bigger than ever and unafraid of taking off with his legs, too.

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Tee Higgins reports to Bengals training camp alongside teammates

The latest on the Bengals and Tee Higgins as training camp starts.

The Cincinnati Bengals got a solid turnout to start training camp.

That does include wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Higgins was seen in multiple social media videos from the team as he reported on Tuesday, then followed up with a key quote about his arrival.

“You know me. I like to work,” Higgins said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I want to keep putting smiles on people’s faces. Especially our fans. I grew a love for the city I didn’t think was going to happen. Love the fans. They embrace me. I hope to put on a show for them this year.”

Higgins reporting with the rest of the team was a forgone conclusion when the star wideout signed his franchise tag essentially the same day voluntary work ended earlier this summer.

The Bengals and Higgins didn’t agree on a long-term extension by the July 15 deadline, so he’ll play 2024 on the $21.8 million tag before likely hitting free agency next offseason.

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An update on Joe Burrow’s recovery

It’s unclear when Joe Burrow will return to the field

After an appendectomy a couple of weeks ago, it remains unclear when former LSU and current Bengals QB Joe Burrow will return to the field.

According to Burrow’s father, Jimmy, it still might be a few weeks before Burrow is back out there. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor refrained from making a prediction.

Taylor added that he doesn’t expect this to hamper Burrow’s preparation for the season. Even if Burrow was healthy, he would not be taking the field for the Bengals’ preseason opener.

Last year, Burrow led the NFL in yards per attempt and completion percentage as led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance.

His passer rating of 108.3 was good enough for second in the NFL, only behind Aaron Rodgers. Burrow, now 25 and in his third year, shouldn’t be too affected by missing the first few weeks of camp. This is a guy who was playing at an MVP level in 2021 and looks like he could be one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks for years to come.

Now, his receivers are only more experience and the offensive line has a chance to take another jump. The Bengals’ offense should be one of the best in the league and contend in the AFC.

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