Brief return for Burrow; Chase’s drops continue
With final roster cuts looming, Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor and his staff will spend the next two weeks getting ready for the season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 12.
Here's what we learned from Cincinnati's preseason finale, a 29-26 loss to Miami on Sunday:
Standing ovation for Burrow
Three quick plays and quarterback Joe Burrow went back to the sideline for the remainder of the game. Burrow was greeted back on the field at Paul Brown Stadium with a standing ovation from the crowd.
On the first play, Burrow handed the ball off to wide receiver Tyler Boyd. The second play, Burrow's only pass of the game, was a bubble screen to Ja'marr Chase, who dropped the ball. Cincinnati's franchise quarterback's day ended with a handoff to running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for five yards.
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"It's time to get focused on Week 1," Burrow said. "The journey has really just started, there's nothing to really reflect on yet."
Chase continues to drop passes
Ja'marr Chase has dropped four consecutive passes in preseason game action.
Taylor reiterated he's not worried about Chase. The third-year head coach said what he sees from his rookie receiver in practice is why he remains confident despite the drops.
"Those that have been at practice have seen him make some great plays these last couple days, so he's making great progress," Taylor said.
Hodge, Kareem could be key depth players
Defensive end Joseph Ossai looked like he could have been the steal of the draft but before he could even get through his first preseason game he suffered two injuries. The third-round pick hurt his wrist and knee in his debut.
Taylor said he would be using the Bengals' final preseason game to see who could fill Ossai's role. Khalid Kareem, a fifth-round pick, showed his impact right away. Kareem recorded one sack, one pass deflection and two tackles after missing the second preseason game with a shoulder injury.
Hodge tallied his second sack of the preseason and has consistently impressed. After signing with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent out of Marshall, Hodge switched from linebacker to defensive end.