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Joe Burrow is Back: Four Takeaways From First Two Days of Bengals Training Camp

Bengals training camp is in full swing.

James Rapien

Bengals Joe Burrow during the second day of Bengals training camp on Thursday July 25, 2024.
Bengals Joe Burrow during the second day of Bengals training camp on Thursday July 25, 2024. / Phil Didion/The Enquirer / USA TODAY
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CINCINNATI — The Bengals are back on the practice field on Friday, but Joe Burrow isn't going to throw.

It feels like a good time to share our latest camp observations and takeaways after a busy few days at the Bengals practice fields.

Here are four takeaways from the first two days of camp:

Joe Burrow is Back

Burrow had a good day on Wednesday and followed it up with a nearly perfect session on Thursday.

He didn't throw an incompletion on Thursday, despite dealing with pressure on a few occasions. He hasn't had a turnover in either session and looks like his normal self.

Burrow is admittedly still working through the wrist recovery, even though he's fully cleared.

"I was happy with today. Still feeling it out," Burrow said after Wednesday's session. "Still have some throws, well, what did that look like? Usually it goes where I want it to, but sometimes it doesn’t spin the way I want it to, so we’re still working through that. But I feel really good about where I’m at. I feel like I kind of figured something out towards the end of the practice there in individuals. I’m looking forward to exploring that more."

Maybe Burrow's explorations worked, because he was even better during Thursday's session, connecting with Shedrick Jackson on a deep ball and making plenty of other nice throws to Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.

Young Weapons

Iosivas' usage is a major storyline that we'll continue to follow throughout camp. He's been moving all over on offense, which could help him get on the field much more frequently.

He's shown the ability to play in the slot over the past two days, despite not lining up there last season or during the offseason program.

Iosivas is the early favorite for the vacant third wide receiver job.

Meanwhile, rookie Jermaine Burton had the highlight of the day on Thursday, beating Dax Hill on a double move. Jake Browning made a perfect throw in-between Hill and safety Geno Stone for a deep completion. The veteran quarterback played much better on Thursday after a shaky practice on Wednesday.

Burton is still learning the offense, but the Bengals like what they've seen from him and continue to move him all over. He lined up in the backfield for one play on Thursday.

Charlie Jones has also made his presence felt. He's caught multiple passes from Burrow in 11-on-11 drills. Jones looks just as quick as he was last year, but more sure of himself and he's bigger. He added 10-12 pounds of muscle this offseason.

Gesicki's Fit

Mike Gesicki already has great chemistry with Burrow. They connected on multiple plays on Wednesday during team drills. They're still working through some things, which is what training camp is for, but it's easy to see how Gesicki could be a major factor on offense.

He's a big, athletic tight end that can line up outside or in the slot. It wouldn't be surprising to see him become Burrow's go-to guy on third-and-short and in the red zone.

Defensive Line Shines

The Bengals' veteran defensive linemen have flashed their potential on the first two days of camp.

Trey Hendrickson rested on Thursday, but looked game ready on Wednesday, getting multiple pressures in team drills. He also had at least one sack, even though he obviously can't hit the quarterback.

Sheldon Rankins has also flashed in each of the past two practices. The Bengals are hoping he can give them some much needed interior pressure.

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Published
James Rapien

JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien covers the Bengals for Sports Illustrated's AllBengals.com and is one-half of the Locked on Bengals Podcast. He's also the co-owner/creator of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Cincinnati and has spent the majority of his professional career in the Queen City. Rapien previously covered the Cavaliers and Indians in Cleveland. He has a background in radio, which includes stops at 700 WLW, ESPN 1530 and 92.3 The Fan. He loves a good trade rumor and uses copious amounts of hot sauce on his food. Cincinnati chili is his go-to meal, followed by gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. When he isn't working or eating, he's probably walking his dog Finley or spending time with family.  

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