The Cincinnati Bengals are entering the post-Joe Burrow phase of 2023, which begins with the quarterback undergoing wrist surgery on Monday. Sources indicate an optimistic outlook for Burrow’s full recovery in time for the 2024 season. Despite the Bengals potentially making the playoffs, Head Coach Zac Taylor affirmed on Nov. 20 that Burrow’s 2023 season concludes.
As the Bengals face the Steelers without Burrow, the NFL is investigating whether Cincinnati should have listed Burrow on the injury report before the Nov. 16 game against the Ravens. The Bengals, however, have submitted extensive footage to the NFL demonstrating Burrow’s pre-game health. The footage reportedly shows Burrow practicing normally, without a brace, and receiving no pre-practice treatment.
Sources familiar with the organization say the Bengals have turned in hours of footage to the NFL showing that Burrow was healthy prior to the game. According to those who have seen the footage, Burrow threw the ball normally during practice, without a brace and took all of his normal reps. It also includes documentation from medical personnel stating Burrow ‘s injury was “acute,” as Taylor has explained. It was not, the doctors say, an injury that happened over time, sources say.
Burrow, addressing the situation on Nov. 17, clarified that a compression sleeve he wore was unrelated to any previous wrist injury, citing its purpose as reducing swelling on flights.
In Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning makes his first NFL start against Pittsburgh. Bengals coaches plan to maintain the same offensive strategy used with Burrow. Browning, though 27 and relatively inexperienced, earned the backup role after training with quarterback guru Jordan Palmer. Browning’s efficient movements, learned from mimicking Burrow’s under Palmer’s guidance, contributed to his success in training camp.
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Palmer expresses optimism about Browning’s potential, noting that his playing style aligns well with the current situation. Following surgery, Burrow will stay involved with the team, watching as Browning endeavors to lead the Bengals into the playoffs.
