Bengals QB Burrow involved in on-field collision with rookie in tense practice
Joe Burrow’s safety remains a priority for Cincinnati, and Sunday’s temps were clearly felt in practice when the franchise quarterback was bumped by first-round pick Shemar Stewart during a drill. According to reports, Stewart charged off the left side, stumbled, and collided with Burrow, sending Burrow to the ground as right guard Lucas Patrick moved in to defend his quarterback and a small scuffle ensued.
Patrick later addressed reporters, stressing the need to protect Burrow. “Gotta protect No. 9, starts with me up front. I gotta play better and protect better, but you can’t let No. 9 get hit.”
As a quarterback, Burrow is often shielded in camp, with red jerseys signaling the non-contact zone for defenders. Still, practice battles like this are part of getting the offense and defense aligned, especially given Burrow’s history of injuries that have made staying healthy crucial for the Bengals.
Stewart, who had been in the headlines this offseason for being the last first-round pick to sign his contract, now finds himself under a sharper spotlight as he learns to balance aggressive play with smarter, safer football. “Just be smarter,” center Ted Karras said of the message to Stewart. “Great player, [but] that’s all of our hopes and dreams right there. We’ve got to do better too, that’s on us.”
The Bengals’ primary task in camp remains clear: protect Burrow from big hits and injuries while continuing to build a cohesive unit up front and on defense. If they can keep Burrow clean and sharpen their approach to pass rush and run defense, Cincinnati will be well-positioned for a strong season.
What to watch next: how the offensive line responds in practice drills against diverse looks, how Stewart adjusts to the demands of pro football, and how the team plans to maintain Burrow’s durability through the grind of camp and the preseason. The overall tone around the team will hinge on continued improvements in protection and discipline in these high-intensity moments.