With hair newly cut and dyed, Bengals QB Joe Burrow says his wrist feels good as training camp opens

CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow showed up for the first day of training camp on Wednesday with a new close-cropped, blond haircut and, more important to Cincinnati, a right wrist he says is ready for the rigors of the season.

Burrow took part in drills, threw accurately and looked good doing it, showing no outward signs that his surgically repaired wrist will be an issue. He said he'll get some days off along the way so as not to overdo it.

“I was happy with today,” he said. “You know, still feeling it out. Still have some throws where it's like, ‘Well, what did that look like?’ Usually goes where I want it to, but sometimes it doesn’t spin the way I want it to. So we’re still working through that. But I feel really good about where I’m at.

“I’m really happy with the plan that I had coming into camp this year, happy with how my body feels, happy with how my mind feels,” he said. “So we’re in a good spot.”

Burrow was sidelined last season when he tore a ligament in the wrist in a loss to Baltimore on Nov. 16. He had surgery Nov. 27 and has been rehabbing since.

Coach Zac Taylor said he's not worried about having to give the quarterback much individual attention.

“He’s going in his fifth year in this league. He knows exactly what to expect to get himself through a season and what he needs to do,” Taylor said. “And there’s not a lot of conversation that needs to happen at him. He knows how his body feels and how he does best.”

The 27-year-old Burrow is hoping to start the season mostly healthy for a change. He has been injured to start each of the past three. Twice, the injuries occurred in training camp. In 2022, he suffered a ruptured appendix. Last year, a strained calf on the second day of camp forced him to miss five weeks.

Owner Mike Brown has his fingers crossed.

“He’s the heart of the team,” Brown said. “He’s got to stay healthy for us to get there. I think that’s a given.”

Regarding the quarterback's much-discussed new hairstyle, Burrow said there was no real reason behind the radical change.

“I got bored,” he said. “That's about it.”

Veteran tackle Trent Brown, signed as a free agent in the offseason, started training camp on the non-football injury list. Taylor said he had “some tightness.” He's expected to be the starter at right tackle if he's healthy. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will be limited this week as he recovers from having his tonsils removed.

Bengals officials gave lukewarm answers when asked about having HBO cameras around for the “Hard Knocks” in-season series that will follow all four AFC North teams.

“There is probably no one in the NFL that says, ‘Oh, we’re on “Hard Knocks.” Hot dog,’” Brown, the Bengals owner, said. “But you know what happens — it’s happened a couple of times here — you’re almost distressed by it. And the first day, oh my God, they’re everywhere. Then about two or three days into it, you just don’t even notice that they’re around until they barge into your office with a camera. I think it’s a good show. It’s fun to have the division on there.”

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) smiles during a press conference after the NFL football team's training camp on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass during the NFL football team's training camp on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to pass during the NFL football team's training camp on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) takes off his helmet during a break during the NFL football team's training camp on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Myles Garrett plans to make Trevor Lawrence uncomfortable for a few hours.

Garrett returned to practice on a limited basis after resting a foot injury for one day, and the defensive end said Friday he'll play in Cleveland's game at Jacksonville on Sunday.

The NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, Garrett sat out Thursday's workout as the Browns (0-1) prepared to face Lawrence and the Jaguars (0-1). Garrett had one sack and forced a fumble last weekend in a season-opening loss to Dallas.

Garrett, who has 47 sacks in the last three-plus seasons, didn't disclose any specifics about his injury.

“I wouldn’t say there’s something to worry about, just something for us to manage and, at least for myself, be conscious of and be just a little cautious,” Garrett said after practice.

Garrett was vague when asked if the injury will affect his play.

“We'll see,” he said.

He also declined to reveal when he got hurt.

“Something I was kind of dealing with during the game,” he said. "But the problem didn’t occur during the game.”

Cleveland's defense can't afford to be without Garrett after placing five players on injured reserve this week. Starting safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II are among the group that will have to miss a minimum of four games.

End Za'Darius Smith, who plays on the opposite side of Garrett, also was back practicing after missing Thursday's workout with a back issue.

Garrett believes the defense will bounce back this week after a so-so performance in the opener.

Of course, Garrett can set the tone by getting after Lawrence, Jacksonville's rifled-armed quarterback.

Garrett had high praise for Lawrence, complimenting his poise and ability to handle pressure in the pocket. Lawrence has confidence and Garrett said there is only one way to combat that in a QB.

“Hit him,” he said. “Multiple times.”

While the defense plays at less than full strength, Cleveland's offense will be missing tight end David Njoku, who sprained his ankle in the opener and could miss several weeks. Njoku led the Browns in catches and receiving TDs last season.

The Browns also ruled out left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who continues to recover from offseason knee surgery. Two-time All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin is listed as questionable after missing the opener.

Conklin had reconstructive knee surgery last year after tearing numerous ligaments in Week 1.

James Hudson III started on the left side, but the Browns toyed with moving Conklin into that spot and could consider it again this week.

Coach Kevin Stefanski would not reveal the plans for his starters.

"We’ll use the next 24 hours, 48 hours, see how everybody comes out of practice today before we make that determination,” Stefanski said.

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett responds to questions after the team's NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)