Cincinnati Bengals

The No. 85 jersey has brought good fortune to multiple Cincinnati Bengals receivers. Tee Higgins will no longer be one of those players.

HIggins told reporters Thursday he intends to switch to the No. 5 jersey in part to honor Chad Johnson:

Tee Higgins changing his number from 85 as a tribute to Chad Johnson who he believes will be honored in future. Says he doesn't want to be Ocho 2.0. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/HlfGBXF4Rd

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 16, 2021

Johnson is Cincinnati's all-time leading receiver and the most famous Bengals player to wear No. 85. Before him also came four-time Pro Bowler Isaac Curtis and Tim McGee, who sit third and ninth, respectively, in franchise history in receiving yards.

Prior to this season, the NFL relaxed its uniform rules and allowed players to choose a much wider variety of numbers based on their position. That opened the door for Higgins to return to the number he used for his three years at Clemson.

The 22-year-old previously told Pro Football Focus' Ian Hartitz in May, "My heart is at 5," but that he didn't want to make the switch because some Bengals fans will have already bought his jersey. He then took a suggestion from Hartitz and said he'd go to No. 5 if he caught 10 touchdowns in his second year.

Higgins caught four passes for 58 yards and one score in Cincinnati's 27-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings, so he's slowly making his way toward the magic number. Apparently he didn't want to wait around, though.

YOU CAN'T STOP 85! @JoeyB to @teehiggins5 for our first touchdown of the season.

📺: #MINvsCIN on FOX pic.twitter.com/tPmzXSR8dO

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 12, 2021

The Bengals have retired only one number (No. 54, Bob Johnson) in their history. Johnson may have to get in line behind other franchise cornerstones such as Anthony Munoz, Willie Anderson, Ken Riley, Boomer Esiason and Ken Anderson, all of whom are equally—if not more so—deserving of the honor.

Whether the No. 85 is retired or not, Higgins will have the chance to carve out a legacy where none exists in Cincinnati. Only five players have previously worn No. 5 for the Bengals: Ryan Finley, Jeff Hayes, AJ McCarron, Jordan Palmer and Neil Rackers.

After an impressive regular-season debut for Ja'Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals receiver has high hopes for his NFL career. 

"I'm trying to break every record I can," Chase told Good Morning Football (via Will Selva of NFL Network). "I'll make my way to break as many as possible."

Chase struggled with drops during the preseason, but the 2021 No. 5 overall pick showcased his upside in Week 1 with five catches for 101 receiving yards, including a 50-yard touchdown reception. 

The performance helped the Bengals earn a 27-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Chase is no stranger to big numbers, rewriting the record books at LSU with a memorable 2019 season. The receiver led the country with 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns that season on 84 catches, helping LSU finished 15-0 with a national championship alongside current teammate Joe Burrow at quarterback.

Justin Jefferson was also on that title-winning team before breaking the NFL rookie record for receiving yards in a season, totaling 1,400 for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.

If Chase wants to break records, topping his former teammate likely will be the first place to start.

Of course, most of the receiving records have been out of reach over the past couple of decades. The 21-year-old needs 1,544 more receptions, 22,794 yards and 196 receiving touchdowns to catch Jerry Rice for the most all-time in each category. 

Everyone is in a joking mood after a season-opening win.

After helping lead the Cincinnati Bengals to a 27-24 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, quarterback Joe Burrow joked, "I thought he was dropping everything," as he walked past rookie wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase in the postgame press conference:

"I thought he was dropping everything?"

Joe Burrow after Ja'Marr Chase's big day 😏 pic.twitter.com/uwdgEtCaDb

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 12, 2021

Drops were a storyline surrounding Chase during the preseason. He also told Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson: "The [NFL] ball is different because it is bigger. It doesn't have the white stripes on the side, so you can't see the ball coming from the tip point, so you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because [the] whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white."

However, he didn't have any drops in his regular-season debut.

Instead, he finished with a team-high five catches for 101 yards and one touchdown alongside a wide receiver group that includes Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. It was surely what the Bengals envisioned when they selected him with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft.

That alone was hotly debated at the time—and still is—considering Burrow was sacked 32 times in 10 games last season. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick and face of the franchise tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee in Week 11 after being hit in the pocket by several Washington Football Team players.

Still, the Bengals opted to take Burrow's LSU teammate fifth overall instead of a top-tier offensive lineman such as Oregon's Penei Sewell. Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum said before the draft: "If the Cincinnati Bengals don't draft an offensive tackle, they should be disbanded and revoked from the NFL."

None of that outside noise bothered Chase, who said the following, per ESPN's Ben Baby: "I know I was going to do it. It was just a matter of time. Just play my game and focus on what I came here to do, and that's what I did."

Up next for the Bengals and Chase is a road game versus the 0-1 Chicago Bears.

A 20-month-old giraffe named after Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow died Wednesday. 

The Baton Rouge Zoo announced that Burreaux died early Wednesday after falling ill on Tuesday:

It is with the heaviest hearts that we let our Zoo family know that our beloved Burreaux, 20-month old male reticulated giraffe, has passed away. We are beyond saddened by this sudden loss and are grieving immensely. Rest in peace big guy. More info: https://t.co/u4W6hnbePQ. pic.twitter.com/oNMgsDcCUR

— Baton Rouge Zoo (@BatonRougeZoo) September 8, 2021

According to the zoo's announcement, Burreaux suffered "a sudden onset of acute symptoms that included a severe cough & overall agitation."

The Baton Rouge Zoo veterinary staff administered medication to stabilize the giraffe's symptoms and put him under constant surveillance to monitor his status prior to his death. 

A necropsy was performed at LSU by the school's veterinary medicine pathology team and the Baton Rouge Zoo’s veterinary staff Thursday. Results are expected to be available within 30 days. 

Burreaux was born on December 26, 2019. The zoo announced on Feb. 11, 2020, that the public could vote to name the animal by donating $1 to benefit conservation efforts in the wild. 

The final vote was tallied three days later, with a Cajun-style version of the Heisman Trophy-winning LSU quarterback's last name declared the winner. 

At the time the vote was announced, Burrow was one month removed from leading the Tigers to a 42-25 win over Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship. He became the second LSU player to win the Heisman Trophy, after Billy Cannon in 1959. 

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase has provided some insight into his preseason struggles with catching the football. 

Speaking to reporters about his slippery hands during the exhibition season, Chase cited the differences between the ball used in college and the NFL:

The ball is different because it is bigger. It doesn't have the white stripes on the side so you can't see the ball coming from the tip point so you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white. But for the most part, just have to get used to it and find out what I am comfortable with catching.

Reading anything significant into preseason performances is often dangerous, but it's hard for Bengals fans to not be at least a little concerned with what they've seen from the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 draft. 

Chase dropped four of his five targets in three preseason games: 

Ja'Marr Chase this preseason

🔺 5 targets
🔺 4 drops
🔺 1 catch

He had 5 total drops during the entire 2019 CFB season 😳 pic.twitter.com/cS62L2d14t

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) August 30, 2021

The LSU alum's only reception was a 16-yard catch on a screen pass in Cincinnati's first preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 14. 

Leading up to the draft, the Bengals were reportedly deciding between Chase and Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. 

Quarterback Joe Burrow is coming off a rookie year in which he was sacked 32 times in 10 games before suffering a season-ending torn ACL and MCL in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team. 

It's worth nothing that Sewell, who was taken by the Detroit Lions at No. 7, endured his own struggles during the preseason as he moves from left to right tackle. The Oregon alum ranked last among all right tackles with a 27.0 pass-block grade among players with at least 50 offensive snaps, per Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus. 

The offensive line was an area the Bengals could have addressed in the first round. Wide receiver was also a problem area for the team in 2020. A.J. Green disappointed with 523 yards and left to join the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent during the offseason. 

Tee Higgins had a promising rookie campaign with 908 yards and six touchdowns last year. Tyler Boyd was second on the team with 841 yards and remains a good option in the slot. 

Chase had an established rapport with Burrow from their time together at LSU in 2018 and 2019. The 21-year-old won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2019 after leading FBS with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. 

The Tigers led the nation in scoring offense (48.4 points per game) and total yards (568.4 per game) en route to winning the national title two years ago. 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Chase opted out of the college season. He admitted the long layoff may also have impacted his initial struggles in the NFL. 

"I don't want to blame it on me sitting on my butt the whole year, but it probably had something to do with it, of course," Chase said. "There's a bigger ball adjustment, so I don't want to make excuses, but I've just got to be a pro and make the catch."

With the regular season rapidly approaching, the Bengals need Chase to find an answer for what has been going on with his hands. They will get their first look at him in a real-game situation on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. 

Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow was upbeat after making his return to an NFL field in Sunday's 29-26 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

The second-year quarterback told reporters he's "feeling great right now."

"It felt good to be back, not only for me but in front of the fans," he said. "... It's nice to see the fans out there and how excited they are about the year."

Bengals fans gave Burrow a warm reception when he led the offense on its first drive of the game:

A standing O for Burrow. 👏 @joeyb | @Bengals

📺: #MIAvsCIN on CBS
📱: https://t.co/1mKBUuWbnP pic.twitter.com/BXuWFYczYr

— NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2021

That largely represented the extent of his involvement. His one attempt was an incomplete pass to Ja'Marr Chase and Cincinnati went three-and-out on the series.

Head coach Zac Taylor said he planned on giving the first string just three plays and would've removed Burrow and the rest of the starters if they had gotten a first down.

Burrow's involvement may have been limited, but simply seeing him in uniform and under center represented a clear step forward.

When the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner tore his ACL and MCL last November, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ben Baby wrote that similar injuries had resulted in a recovery ranging from nine to 12 months. His availability for the start of the 2021 campaign appeared to be in doubt.

But he and the Bengals remained optimistic about his readiness for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Ideally, Burrow would've gotten more snaps in preseason to get comfortable behind a revamped offensive line. And given Chase's shaky training camp, he might have benefited from additional on-field reps with his former LSU teammate.

Burrow's health was nonetheless a top priority for Cincinnati, and now there seems to be no doubt as to his status on Sept. 12.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced quarterback Joe Burrow will play in Sunday's preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.

"It'll be very limited," Taylor told reporters Wednesday. "We'll be smart with what we do."

Burrow, the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, will be making his first in-game appearance since suffering a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee in November.

The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner was off to a solid start before the injury. He completed 65.3 percent of his throws for 2,688 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 appearances. He added 142 rushing yards and three scores on the ground.

He ranked 24th in ESPN Total QBR (56.2) and received a 75.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus during his debut campaign.

Last week, Burrow said he'd been hinting to the coaching staff that he'd like to play in the final preseason game to get a few live reps in before the regular season kicks off.

"I've been lobbying," Burrow told reporters. "Just saying what plays I might like against Miami, third downs, first couple plays. Just throw some plays out there and put them in their head."

His efforts appear to have worked, as he'll get at least a handful of snaps against the Dolphins. It would be a surprise if he stays in the game for more than a drive or two, though.

The Bengals are in one of the NFL's toughest divisions in the AFC North, where they'll have to compete with three playoff contenders in the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers, but their offense features ample upside if the franchise quarterback is back to full strength.

Burrow is surrounded by a playmaker group led by running back Joe Mixon and wide receivers Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and rookie Ja'Marr Chase, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft.

After Burrow exits Sunday's game, Brandon Allen will attempt to further establish himself as the Bengals' backup over Kyle Shurmur. Eric Dungey was waived on Monday.

Cincinnati opens the regular season Sept. 12 when it hosts the Minnesota Vikings.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hasn't played in the preseason, but there is reportedly no reason for concern as he recovers from knee surgery.

"My sense is Burrow and the Bengals feel like they're in a good place with Week 1 three weeks away," Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote Monday.

Burrow underwent surgery in December to repair the torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. He has worked his way back on to the field for practices, but he did not appear in either of his team's first two preseason games.

Cincinnati has one more exhibition game Sunday against the Miami Dolphins before opening the season against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Week 1 game is less than 10 months on from Burrow's injury, providing a reason to be conservative with his return date.

As Breer noted, there was a plan to get Burrow a few preseason snaps, but it wasn't set in stone. In July, Bengals president Mike Brown indicated they might hold him until the 2021 campaign.

"We probably aren't going to put him out there until we get to the season because we don't want to risk anything with him," Brown told reporters. "But his effort rehabbing was A-plus."

The Bengals are likely much more concerned about the long-term projection for Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. The 24-year-old showed his upside last season while throwing 13 touchdown passes with five interceptions on his way to an 89.8 quarterback rating in 10 starts.

With exciting weapons at his disposal such as receivers Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase, Burrow could have a big 2021 season if he can get close to 100 percent.

Despite some early struggles with drops, the Cincinnati Bengals are still optimistic about Ja'Marr Chase heading into his rookie season.

"By no means are we down on Ja'Marr," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Sunday, per Ben Baby of ESPN. "He's just going through some of the things rookies go through in training camp, and we expect him to improve over the course of this week."

Chase was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 draft, but he was held without a catch during Friday's preseason game against the Washington Football Team. He finished the game with three drops on three targets, per Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus.

The receiver's lone catch in two preseason games came on a screen against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that went for 16 yards.

The issue with drops also carried over into practice Sunday:

First pass to Ja’Marr Chase in 11-on-11. Square in, perfect ball from Burrow, drop. #Bengals

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) August 22, 2021

Ja'Marr Chase just dropped a potential TD in red zone 7-on-7. Ended up being a Vonn Bell INT

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 22, 2021

Chase could be rusty after opting out of the 2020 season at LSU amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bengals are still going to be patient with the talented player.

"The expectations are so high that you expect him to be a star right out the gate," Taylor said. "But it takes work. You gotta put in the work. That consistency comes over time."

The 21-year-old showcased his upside in 2019 while helping LSU win the national championship alongside current Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase finished that season with 84 catches for 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 14 games.

Cincinnati clearly still believes he will be a difference-maker despite his early struggles.  

The Washington Football Team defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 17-13 in preseason action on Friday at FedExField.

Washington scored 11 unanswered points in the second half to turn a 10-6 deficit into a 17-10 lead thanks to a Dustin Hopkins 31-yard field goal and a one-yard rush from rookie running back Jaret Patterson with 11:47 remaining in regulation.

Cincinnati answered with a 51-yard field goal from Evan McPherson and got the ball back after a Washington three-and-out, but the Bengals turned the ball over on downs on its final possession.

Washington QB1 Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 7-of-13 passes for 96 yards, and backup Taylor Heinicke completed 11-of-13 throws for 80 yards. Starting running back Antonio Gibson had 47 yards on nine touches, while Patterson led all players with 71 rushing yards on 16 carries.

Cincinnati's lone touchdown was courtesy of a one-yard run from backup quarterback Brandon Allen early in the third quarter to help give the Bengals a 10-6 edge.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow did not play. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft continues to work his way back from a torn MCL, ACL and other structural issues in his left knee after taking a hit against Washington in a Nov. 22 regular-season game.

"We’re just not there yet," Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said, per Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Monday.

"He could do it, I’m sure he wants to do it. But again, our No. 1 thing is making sure our guys are ready to play in Week 1 against Minnesota, so putting him out there is just not what we’re going to do right now."

The Bengals' first regular-season game is against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Bengals rookie wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the No. 5 overall pick in this year's draft, saw limited action and finished catchless on three targets.

Both teams are now 1-1 this preseason after Washington's win.

   

Notable Performances

Bengals QB Brandon Allen: 8-of-17, 70 passing yards

Bengals RB Jacques Patrick: 6 carries, 42 rushing yards

Bengals CB Darius Phillips and LB Keandre Jones: 7 tackles each

WFT QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: 7-of-13, 96 passing yards

WFT RB Antonio Gibson: 7 carries, 28 rushing yards; 2 catches, 19 receiving yards

WFT RB Jaret Patterson: 16 carries, 71 rushing yards, 1 TD

    

Antonio Gibson Receives Heavy Usage

In a potential sign of things to come, Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson had nine first-quarter touches.

Word broke from Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen this week that Gibson may be used in a Christian McCaffrey-type role, referencing the do-it-all Carolina Panthers running back who led the NFL in scrimmage yards, touchdowns and touches in 2019. He notably had 116 catches and 1,005 yards that year.

Bryan Manning of Washington Wire provided the quotes:

You saw Christian McCaffrey in this offense a couple of years ago. Obviously, one of the best players in the league, but I think that’s where we’re trying to push Antonio to go. And he’s improved a ton. Just think, last year, he was a receiver coming in as a running back. This year, he has a year under his belt, where he played very well, 10-plus touchdowns, and he’s gaining a lot more confidence, playing a lot faster, he’s understanding it, he’s making decisions quicker. The more reps he gets, the better he gets. He’s just been continuously getting better.

Head coach Ron Rivera had hinted at Gibson becoming a more complete back, per Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic:

Ron Rivera said that he believes that Antonio Gibson is progressing towards being a complete back. Being able to run whatever you want

— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 18, 2021

Gibson split touches with J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber in last year's WFT backfield, but signs point to the second-year running back out of Memphis taking on more responsibility in the running back room.

Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus provided a snap count:

Washington HB snap count after 4 drives

1st down/2nd down/3rd and 1/4th and 1

Antonio Gibson 13
Jaret Patterson 6(including the last 4, potential day over for Gibson)
J.D. McKissic 0

3rd and 2+

J.D. McKissic 4
Antonio Gibosn 0
Jaret Patterson 0

— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) August 21, 2021

McKissic, as he was last year, was still the primary guy on third down, but Gibson clearly has a hold on the overall snap count and impressed in his one quarter of play:

Antonio Gibson making moves in the run and passing game. Keeping his feet moving.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 21, 2021

Antonio Gibson is having a fantastic first quarter.

7 rushes for 28 yards and an additional two catches. He just caught a 14-yard designed screen. Nice patience to wait on his blockers. #WashingtonNFL

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) August 21, 2021

In sum, Gibson could be in position to become one of the league's top offensive weapons thanks to his skill set and potential usage.

   

Bengals' First-Team Defense Impresses

The Washington Football Team moved the ball against the Cincinnati defense, but the Bengals didn't break.

Cincinnati allowed just one field goal in the first quarter, with Fitzpatrick and Gibson largely carrying the offense. The Bengals ended the first half allowing just six points overall as the team impressed against Washington's regulars.

It may have been an ugly day for the offense, with Chase notably going catchless, but Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic noted that the biggest takeaway was the defense's success:

FINAL: WFT 17, #Bengals 13.

I make more of the quality of play from the first team defense for the second straight week than concern over the offense or Chase's drops.

I don't know if preseason/camp tells us anything for sure, but Bengals might be on to something defensively.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 21, 2021

So, that's a wrap on basically all the starters for the #Bengals tonight.

Defense looks great. Offense looks disjointed.

Sounds familiar. Bengals playing how they've mostly practiced.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 21, 2021

The biggest play occurred in the first quarter when linebacker Logan Wilson forced WFT wide receiver Cam Sims to fumble. Cornerback Mike Hilton was there for the recovery:

D-E-F-E-N-S-E

WATCH: https://t.co/hpjseyck1m pic.twitter.com/JDJ6eBY1iK

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 21, 2021

That drive followed a series where Cincinnati stuffed Gibson on fourth down with Washington on the Bengals' 23-yard line. Wilson and nose tackle D.J. Reader were credited with that stop.

Naturally, this was a great day for Wilson, but the Bengals excelled everywhere on defense.

Defensive end Sam Hubbard had two quarterback hits, one of which resulted in a sack:

The Cincinnati Kid delivers 💥

WATCH: https://t.co/hpjseyck1m pic.twitter.com/sOFF7v5TvP

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 21, 2021

Reader added a quarterback hit, too, helping Cincinnati keep Washington out of the end zone.

Washington looked like it would get there at the end of the first quarter when it found itself with a 1st-and-10 from the Bengals' 16-yard line, but a run to nowhere and two incomplete passes led to a Hopkins field goal.

The Bengals may have lost this game, but there are plenty of positives to glean from the defense as Cincinnati sets its sight on their regular-season opener.

What's Next?

Both teams will close their three-game preseasons next weekend. Washington will host the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. ET, and Cincinnati will welcome the Miami Dolphins to Paul Brown Stadium on Aug. 29 at 4 p.m ET.