Joe Burrow was unavailable to the media on Tuesday.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 season knowing they cannot afford another disappointment. The Bengals won just six games last season and finished third in the AFC North, ultimately missing the playoffs. What was expected to be a bounce season following two straight playoff absences turned into a nightmare for Bengals fans who had to watch their team miss the postseason for the third straight year.
Now, Cincinnati will be looking to change the narrative and its front office has gone over and beyond to make necessary changes to the roster. Headlined by the blockbuster acquisition of Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals revamped their defense, adding Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger in free agency.
Al Golden’s defense looks formidable on paper and with a strong offensive unit led by Burrow, the Bengals now have what it takes to challenge for a Super Bowl title.
Amid preparations for the upcoming season, the Bengals held practice on Tuesday. Burrow was scheduled to speak with reporters on Tuesday, but the session was postponed after the Bengals quarterback opted to remain on the field. Burrow continued working after minicamp ended and was unable to meet with the media before a scheduled team meeting, and his availability has now been moved to Wednesday (h/t Kelsey Conway of Cincinnati Enquirer).
The extended work was another example of Burrow’s hands-on approach during the offseason. The Bengals quarterback has frequently stayed after practice throughout his career, whether to get additional throws in with receivers, work with younger players, or iron out details within the offense.
As the leader of the team, Burrow knows the stakes are high and is taking the extra steps to be at his best ahead of the Bengals’ season opener on Sept. 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Burrow is also entering the season healthy after a Grade 3 turf toe injury limited him to eight games in 2025 after coming off a career year. Despite the injuries in recent years, Burrow has remained one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Last season, he completed 66.8% of his passes, throwing for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Through OTAs and minicamp, he has looked comfortable moving around the pocket and directing an offense that returns most of its core playmakers.
Wednesday’s media session should attract plenty of attention. The Bengals face heightened expectations after an offseason filled with major roster moves, and many of the questions surrounding the team will ultimately lead back to Burrow.
