The Cincinnati Bengals provided some good news on the Wednesday before they take on the Seattle Seahawks.
Good news, at least, in the sense that what Joe Burrow did during practice suggested he’s about as close to 100 percent on that injured calf as he has been all season.
On top of that, the team also provided its first injury report of the week, headed up by Chidobe Awuzie and Tee Higgins.
With just two more days of injury reports before the weekend and some other news items to fill that gap, here are the must-know Bengals news, notes and quotes for October 12.
Joe Burrow practice footage -- Bengals Wire
What Burrow was doing in practice on Wednesday was a first, providing hope that he’s near 100 percent and could be even better than he was last week when he won an award for his performance.
Rookie making waves
It turns out even Bengals coaches are admitting that rookie Jordan Battle could get more and more looks instead of veteran Nick Scott at the safety spot, which should make the coming weeks pretty interesting.
Chido and Tee on first injury report
The first injury report of the week would seem to hint that Tee Higgins is getting closer to a return. Chido, the No. 1 corner, though, would seem to be a serous question mark still.
Ja'Marr Chase honored
No surprise here, but that historic day for Chase against the Cardinals has helped him win yet another award.
Joe Burrow, too
The man throwing Chase the ball received an award too. The fact he looked back to his normal self will be more important to fans, but it’s hard to complain about receiving some hardware.
Trey Hendrickson's dominance
How great is Trey Hendrickson right now? He’s charting alongside names like Myles Garrett, Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons, even if he doesn’t get that sort of respect nationally.
Burrow keeps improving -- Bengals.com
The man himself says he’s as close to 100 percent as he’s been this entire time: “By far. I’m confident I can run around and extend plays right now. It’s tough to say a percentage … It’s getting better and better.”
Coaches agree -- Bengals.com
Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan zeroed on Burrow’s mobility against the Cardinals as a sign things are getting back to normal: “His ability to move and create and extend players were critical in scoring those (two) red-zone touchdowns. He looked like he was back to playing normal football. Looking decisive and a buying time when he had to. That part makes a huge difference.”
Joe Burrow on Geno Smith -- WLWT
Here’s Burrow on breakout veteran journeyman Geno Smith for the Seahawks: “It’s always exciting when you see a guy like that that doesn’t exactly go the way you think it’s going to go at the beginning and then he just continues to grind, continues to work as hard as he can for when that opportunity comes, play his best and he has.”
Breaking down the breakout -- Dan Orlovsky
19 targets
The “endline return” for @Real10jayy__ and the @Bengals offense with @Hawk #nfllive @LndsPatterson @Ben_Baby pic.twitter.com/WzFEZmfvhe
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 11, 2023
Fun little breakdown above about how Burrow and the Bengals bounced back in the desert.