Cincinnati Bengals starters, including QB Joe Burrow, won't play Week 2 preseason game vs Chicago Bears

Burrow was efficient and sharp in his preseason debut, throwing for 51 yards and a touchdown on 5-7 passing as he led the offense to an opening-drive score to start the night. His only two incompletions were a drop by Tee Higgins in the end zone, and a spiked ball following a failed screen play. 

On top of his usual accuracy and timing, Burrow was untouched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pass rush. The Bucs didn't have any of their veteran starters playing on defense, and Burrow's offensive line took advantage by keeping him clean for the 12-play possession.

This week will be different as the Bengals and Bears will first face on the practice field for a joint practice session. This is when the starters to get their reps in.

Taylor also clarified that Burrow could still play in the third and final preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bengals got valuable live reps against the Bucs, but now might be a good time to start preserving the important players. Rookie right tackle Amarius Mims, who was gunning for the starting right tackle job, suffered a pectoral strain in the preseason opener and will be out for "several" weeks according to Taylor. Cincinnati also played without its entirely starting defensive line as three of the starters are working back from injuries, and punt returner Charlie Jones is currently week-to-week as well.

Expect to see rookies and roster hopefuls take the field to start Saturday's game in Chicago.