Cincinnati Bengals fans expressed immediate concern for quarterback Joe Burrow's well-being and the team's offensive line performance during the opening drive of their preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. The anxieties surfaced after Burrow was sacked for a nine-yard loss by Lions edge defender Ahmed Hassanein.
The play stalled a four-play drive that concluded with a punt for the Bengals. This early incident triggered widespread commentary on social media platform X, with fans questioning the team's offensive line's ability to protect their star quarterback heading into the regular season.
"Same old Bengals," one fan account wrote. "Burrow is out there in the preseason getting sacked. Bro ain't gonna make it to the regular season."
Another user commented, "Joe Burrow not gonna make through the season man. Three Lions around him and the closest Bengals lineman 3 yards away." Others echoed similar sentiments, with one post stating, "Joe burrow getting hit like this in a [preseason] game is nasty lmao bengals line gonna have out by week 4."
Analyst Emmanuel Acho also weighed in, observing, "In two drives Joe Burrow has taken a sack and a pressure vs the Lions second team defense… I think we’ve seen enough, let’s get him out the game."
Burrow participated in two series before being replaced by veteran backup Joe Flacco. During his time on the field, Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards, with his sole incompletion occurring when his arm was hit. He did connect on a 16-yard pass to Ja’Marr Chase.
On Burrow's second series, the Bengals gained 32 yards over nine plays, culminating in a 56-yard field goal by Evan McPherson.
Flacco entered the game and threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Jack Endries in the second quarter, extending the Bengals' lead to 10-0.
The Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line has been a subject of scrutiny in recent seasons, largely due to multiple injuries sustained by Burrow. The quarterback's 2025 season was notably impacted by a severe turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which necessitated surgery. He was sidelined for over two months before returning for the Bengals' Week 13 game on Thanksgiving.