Joe Burrow is no stranger to the highs and lows of the NFL. Over four seasons, he has appeared in two AFC Championship games and one Super Bowl, but has also faced significant injuries that have required extensive rehab during four consecutive offseasons.
These rehabilitation processes have undoubtedly affected Burrow’s ability to fully prepare for the regular season, often leaving him starting the season at less than 100 percent.
The 2024 season is no exception, as Burrow has spent the offseason recovering from a wrist injury that ended his 2023 season prematurely.
This injury is particularly challenging because it’s uncommon for quarterbacks, leaving Burrow without much precedent to guide his recovery.
Burrow admitted that at the beginning of his recovery, he was “flying blind,” since he didn’t know of other quarterbacks who had suffered a similar wrist injury. This lack of precedent has forced him to be creative with his recovery strategies, including picking up a new skill: playing the piano.
“I’m learning the piano right now, hopefully I can get pretty good at that by next offseason,” Burrow shared with Complex. “I guess it’ll be pretty tough during the season, but it’s helped my rehab too for my wrist… I’ve always wanted to learn how to play, but this was an opportune time to work on my hand and wrist dexterity while also learning that. So it was kind of the perfect storm.”
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While playing the piano wasn’t initially intended as part of his wrist rehab, Burrow acknowledged that it has turned out to be a surprisingly effective method for improving his dexterity. This focus on unique rehabilitation activities underscores his commitment to staying healthy and on the field for an entire season.
The emphasis on recovery is crucial for Burrow, as staying injury-free is vital for the Cincinnati Bengals’ success. Since being drafted in 2020, the Bengals have a modest 6-8 record in games Burrow hasn’t played. In contrast, with Burrow on the field for full seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Bengals reached the Super Bowl and the AFC Championship, respectively.
Burrow is acutely aware of his impact when healthy, saying, “Well, number one, I want to be on the field for all the games. I know I’m going to play well when I’m out there. I’m at that point in my career where I’ve seen enough ball and I know myself that I can go out there and play as well as anybody in the game.”
To ensure he can play all 17 games this year, Burrow is placing a significant focus on his overall physical condition. He wants to be fully prepared for games and practices throughout the season, understanding that his presence is crucial for the Bengals’ playoff aspirations.
The Bengals finished last in the AFC North last season, but with the sixth-easiest strength of schedule in the NFL this year, they are well-positioned to make a playoff run if Burrow remains healthy. The team will provide status updates on Burrow throughout the offseason, and while his wrist seems to be in good condition, his progress will be closely monitored during training camp and preseason activities.
If Burrow can start the season at 100 percent and maintain his health, the Cincinnati Bengals will once again be strong contenders in the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Burrow’s recovery and performance, hopeful that this will be the year he leads his team to new heights.
