Is Joe Burrow playing tonight? Latest on Bengals QB for Week 3 NFL preseason vs. Colts

Joe Burrow has been the talk of the town for the Cincinnati Bengals as we head into Week 3 of the 2024 NFL preseason. Fans are curious to learn whether the quarterback will play against the Indianapolis Colts in the Bengals' preseason finale on Thursday.

Will Joe Burrow play tonight vs. Colts?

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow (Source: Imagn)

As things stand, Joe Burrow is not expected to play against the Colts on Thursday. The quarterback is listed as active on the team roster, but Cincinnati is expected to avoid risking him before the regular season.

Earlier this week, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he won't field most of his starters against the Colts on Thursday. Since Burrow is Cincinnati's QB1, he is unlikely to feature in the contest.

Burrow featured in the Bengals' preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 10. Burrow threw for 51 yards, including a touchdown pass to Tee Higgins, in his only drive of the game. Cincinnati eventually lost 17-14.

After the game, Burrow said he was excited to be back out on the field after recovering from a season-ending wrist injury he suffered in November last year. He told reporters:

"It would probably help me mentally more than anything," Burrow said of getting hit. "Just understanding falling can hurt. Just get that thing hit one time before you're out there in a real game."

Burrow then didn't play at all in Cincinnati's 27-3 loss against the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the preseason. He is now expected to sit out the Week 3 matchup against the Colts to remain healthy for the regular season.

NFL preseason Week 3: How to watch Bengals vs. Colts

The Bengals vs. Colts preseason game will not be broadcast on national TV. Fans in Indianapolis can watch the game on WXIN (FOX/59) while locals in Cincinnati can catch the matchup on WXIX (FOX/19).

Fans can also livestream the contest on Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, or Fubo. Here are all the details on the Bengals-Colts preseason Week 3 contest:

• Game: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Stadium: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Date: Thursday, Aug. 22
• Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: WXIN (FOX/59) for locals in Indianapolis and WXIX (FOX/19) for locals in Cincinnati
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, or Fubo