Joe Burrow didn’t look like his usual self during the NFL season opener on Sunday, raising concerns among Bengals fans. The Cincinnati Bengals, playing at home, suffered a six-point loss to the New England Patriots, and all eyes were on Burrow, who was making his first appearance since recovering from a wrist injury. Though Burrow assured everyone his wrist was fine, his performance on the field suggested that something might still be lingering.
Last season, Burrow’s campaign was cut short when he tore the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist during Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury was significant enough to send him to injured reserve the following day, and he quickly underwent surgery to repair the ligament. His recovery took months, with Burrow only rejoining the team for practice in early May.
Despite the lengthy rehab process, all signs indicated that Burrow’s wrist had healed properly. Throughout the offseason and training camp, neither the team nor Burrow expressed any concerns. In fact, his first drive during the preseason ended with a touchdown, a promising sign for the season ahead.
However, in Week 1, Burrow’s performance against New England raised eyebrows. He managed just 164 passing yards, a far cry from the explosive numbers Bengals fans are used to seeing. Notably, his deep ball—a hallmark of Burrow’s game—was virtually nonexistent. He attempted just six passes over seven yards downfield, which was uncharacteristic for a quarterback known for his ability to stretch defenses with pinpoint deep throws.
RELATED: ESPN’s Kimberley Martin Under Fire For Comparing Joe Burrow to Amber Rose
Burrow brushed off any concerns after the game, dismissing questions about whether his wrist was impacting his play. “Everything feels good,” he told reporters, attributing his performance to New England’s defensive strategy. “They were doing a good job keeping everything in front. I’ve got to take what the defense gives me.”
Despite Burrow’s reassurances, a particular video from the game has caused panic among Bengals fans. The footage shows Burrow repeatedly fiddling with his right wrist, which had been surgically repaired. At one point, he seemed to struggle while picking up a water bottle. These subtle signs have fueled speculation that his wrist might not be fully recovered, or that the lingering effects of the injury could impact his performance moving forward.
According to CBS, it’s not uncommon for a player to experience stiffness or swelling after such a serious injury, especially in the early stages of their return to action. Burrow’s apparent indecision about whether to wear a glove on his throwing hand could also indicate that he’s still adjusting to the new normal with his wrist. Medical experts believe that while the wrist is likely to be functional, it could remain a persistent issue throughout his career, even if it doesn’t directly affect his throwing ability.
However, not everyone is hitting the panic button. Jeff Mueller, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a well-known “fantasy football injury analyst,” reviewed the footage and Burrow’s performance and provided a more optimistic assessment.
Mueller pointed out that Burrow showed no significant signs of reduced velocity or accuracy on his short to intermediate throws, which were key indicators of wrist function. “Good velocity/accuracy on throws <15-18 yards,” Mueller tweeted. He specifically highlighted several throws, including a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mike Gesicki, as examples of Burrow’s wrist holding up under pressure.
Mueller acknowledged that Burrow didn’t take many deep shots but noted that the throws he did attempt looked sharp. “Overall, he threw a lot of tight spirals and right where only his WRs could get it,” Mueller wrote. He also suggested that Burrow’s wrist may not have been the reason behind the lack of deep passes, speculating that it could have been part of Cincinnati’s game plan to stick with short, quick passes.
Mueller’s main concern was not Burrow’s wrist, but rather the limited number of deep throws. “The wrist is fine,” he concluded, adding that better days were likely ahead for the Bengals quarterback.
Ultimately, while the Week 1 loss to the Patriots wasn’t the Bengals’ finest moment, there’s little evidence to suggest that Burrow’s wrist was the root cause. Both teams played sloppy football, as is often the case in early-season matchups.
Burrow, now the NFL’s highest-paid player with a $275 million contract, will face intense scrutiny throughout the season, and his wrist will be under a microscope. Though he’s back on the field, it’s clear that his injury is something to keep an eye on for the foreseeable future.
As for now, Bengals fans can take solace in the fact that their franchise quarterback is back, and despite a slow start, there’s still plenty of time for Burrow to return to his elite form.
