Burrow’s August showcase and the Bengals’ cautious approach dominate the preseason chatter. Burrow opened the August slate against Philadelphia with 9-for-10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, then faced tougher contact versus Washington while absorbing several hard hits. A horse-collar penalty on Burrow by Deatrich Wise Jr. reminded fans of the health risk even in August. Buck’s quip—Go down, Joe, it’s August—captured the mood: protect the asset. Cincinnati may rest Burrow in the Aug 23 finale vs the Colts, preserving him for Week 1 against Cleveland on Sept. 7. Burrow’s 2024 line of 4,918 yards and 43 TDs signals massive upside, but the team’s plan to shield him could temper early-August volume, a factor fantasy managers will weigh as drafts approach.