Cincinnati Bengals open training camp for 2022 -- without the recovering Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengal fans got their first look at the defending AFC champions as training camp for the 2022 season opened Wednesday -- without team leader and quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from an appendectomy.

The focus on Day One, understandably, is on what they have to do to get back to the Super Bowl -- with Burrow at the controls of the offense.

>> Dave Chappelle’s company buys building in Dayton’s Oregon District

Burrow’s “procedure went well,” head coach Zac Taylor told News Center 7′s James Rider. “[Burrow] was in [the hospital] yesterday. He’ll be discharged today. Timeline’s obviously to be determined.”

Taylor and wideout Tee Higgins said they hadn’t spoken with Burrow on Wednesday,

“No, I just wanna let him have his space,” Higgins said. “I know it’s a hard time for him. Probably talk to him after he gets back.”

Taylor said the schemes the Bengals will draw up to protect the second-year quarterback and ease him into camp is a problem for tomorrow.

“The good news is he’s got two years in it,” Taylor said. “He knows it. It’s redundant. Probably the early portions starting from day one. He’s seen it all he’ll still have his iPad in meetings.”

Beside the anticipation of Burrow’s return, fans are also looking forward to Saturday when they will have one chance to watch a Bengals practice inside Paul Brown Stadium this year.

The tickets are free and fans also will be afforded the opportunity to snap a photo with the Lamar Hunt Trophy, which each season goes to the winner of the AFC Championship.