The Cincinnati Bengals have gone from Zac Taylor saying they won’t do a joint practice to scheduling a pretty important one for Thursday with the Chicago Bears.
A live practice against another team, after all, is a good time to let loose with the starters in a way they might not during a preseason game.
Hence, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com noted that Bengals starters are expected to play about 40 snaps during Thursday practice, but are unlikely to suit up for Saturday’s game.
Fair balance, really. Both head coaches can keep a tight leash on what happens during the practice session featuring starters. They can then test the depth of the roster and evaluate the final 53 as backups get live reps in game action.
Overall, it’s an uptick in action for Bengals
starters before they might see some work in the third and final preseason game, too. It’s all, at least partially, in the name of reducing the chances of yet another slow start for the offense.
Top of the list Thursday, beyond any obvious performance stuff, is also managing to avoid any injuries, given how joint practices have seemed to go poorly for most clubs running them over the last week or so.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ joint practice with Bears is more important than it seems
