TRZ Ad
2025NFL

Everyone Is Worried About Joe Burrow After Bengals Preseason Opener [VIDEO]

1

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Joe Burrow dropping back
Joe Burrow dropping back (Photo via X)

Cincinnati Bengals fans did not have to wait long for a reason to worry about Joe Burrow.

Burrow and Cincinnati opened their 2026 preseason against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night at Paycor Stadium. The franchise quarterback only played the first two offensive series.

However, Detroit’s Ahmed Hassanein quickly provided an unwelcome reminder of Cincinnati’s biggest concern.

Hassanein sacked Burrow for a nine-yard loss during the opening series. The second-year edge rusher beat the Bengals’ protection and brought Burrow down before Cincinnati punted.

The play immediately prompted concern among Bengals supporters. Several fans questioned whether Cincinnati’s offensive line can keep its quarterback upright throughout the season.

“He’s gonna pull an Andrew luck if this continues,” one wrote. 

“Yeahhhh Burrows got abut 5-6 good weeks in him before he’s out the rest of the season💀 pack it up it’s Joever,” another commented.

“Damn. Gonna be a long season 😂,” someone laughed. 

Someone else went, “Nah bro this is crazy. Get my boy to the Jets asap.”

Those comments reflect concern, but they remain speculation. Burrow did not suffer an injury on the play and completed five of six passes for 39 yards.

His only incompletion came when his arm was hit. He also connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 16-yard gain during his brief appearance.

Joe Burrow’s Limited Work Still Produced Positive Signs

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in unform
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (Sam Greene/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK)

Emmanuel Acho also reacted to Burrow’s brief outing and urged Cincinnati to remove him.

“In two drives Joe Burrow has taken a sack and a pressure vs. the Lions second team defense… I think we’ve seen enough, let’s get him out the game.”

Acho ultimately got his wish. Burrow played just 13 snaps before veteran backup Joe Flacco replaced him.

Flacco then threw a four-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Jack Endries. Evan McPherson added a 56-yard field goal as Cincinnati eventually defeated Detroit 16-14.

Hassanein also continued making plays after his sack. He finished with four tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

That performance gave Detroit another positive from a preseason opener that otherwise ended in defeat.

Bengals’ Offensive Line Faces Familiar Pressure

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) reacts after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The concern surrounding Burrow’s protection carries more weight because of his recent injury history.

Burrow missed nine games last season after suffering a severe turf toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He required surgery before returning during the second half of the season.

Cincinnati has already made major moves around its franchise quarterback. The Bengals added veteran defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence during the offseason while continuing to build a roster capable of ending their recent playoff drought.

Still, keeping Burrow healthy remains the obvious priority.

Thursday’s sack does not prove that Burrow’s season is in danger. He walked away healthy and completed 83.3 percent of his passes.

It does explain why Bengals fans reacted so quickly.

For now, Burrow has emerged unscathed from his first preseason appearance. Cincinnati will hope that remains the story when the games begin to matter.

Teams