Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Bengals Bench Joe Burrow vs. Bears, Keenum Starts

8/23/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Keenum Starts

Zac Taylor announced the Bengals’ starters, including quarterback Joe Burrow, will sit out the Bears game.
Case Keenum is slated to start at quarterback after Tyson Bagent’s hamstring injury.
Kaden Davis targets five catches and 70 yards to retain his role as the Bears’ sixth receiver.
Salvon Ahmed aims to demonstrate rushing, receiving and special-teams ability to secure the RB3 spot.

Summary

Lawrence Joins Bengals

Cincinnati acquired defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, marking a major offseason defensive upgrade.
Lawrence intercepted a screen pass and recorded a sack during the joint practice with Chicago.
Bengals won both scrimmage sessions, sealing the second with a field goal by Evan McPherson.
A minor scuffle erupted after Dayo Odeyingbo’s contact with Joe Burrow, prompting Ja'Marr Chase’s displeasure.

History

Historical Context

When the Browns returned in 1999 after a three-year suspension, the NFL held an expansion draft of 150 unprotected players and gave Cleveland the first overall pick, Tim Couch, forcing the new roster to start from scratch. That chaotic start mirrors the Bengals’ 2024 scramble—benching Joe Burrow, inserting Case Keenum, and adding Dexter Lawrence—to quickly rebuild competitiveness in the AFC North.

1 of 3

Keenum Starts

Zac Taylor announced the Bengals’ starters, including quarterback Joe Burrow, will sit out the Bears game.
Case Keenum is slated to start at quarterback after Tyson Bagent’s hamstring injury.
Kaden Davis targets five catches and 70 yards to retain his role as the Bears’ sixth receiver.
Salvon Ahmed aims to demonstrate rushing, receiving and special-teams ability to secure the RB3 spot.

1 / 3