The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the 2023 season just as they entered 2021. There is some uncertainty surrounding star quarterback, Joe Burrow. In 2021, Burrow was recovering and returning from a torn ACL suffered during his rookie season. This year, the injury wasn’t as serious, but still troublesome.
On July 27th, early in training camp, Burrow was taking part in practice when he broke the pocket to make a play. While moving out, he injured his calf and had to be helped off the field. That injury ended up keeping him sidelined for six weeks.
The No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft returned to the practice field for the first time last week. He was taking part in drills with his position coach and backups during the portion of practice that was open to the media.
With less than a week until the Bengals kick off their season against the Cleveland Browns, there was some concern that Burrow would not be in the lineup. Head coach Zac Taylor wouldn’t commit to him playing, saying that he is improving and they’re taking things day by day.
However, a new report sheds a little more hope and positivity about his availability. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, via JPAFootball on X, formerly known as Twitter, Burrow is trending in the right direction. All signs are pointing toward him being under center against the Browns.
That is big news for the Bengals, who would have likely turned to Jake Browning in Burrow’s place. The team also has Will Grier, who they acquired off waivers following his release from the Dallas Cowboys.
Some gamesmanship and posturing were likely being done by Taylor, wanting to keep the Browns on their toes for anything that could come their way. Cleveland was likely preparing for Burrow to be in the lineup anyway, but you never know for sure until it is officially announced.
