Joe Burrow didn’t do much throwing during the open part of Bengals practice on Monday, instantly sending alarm bells through Cincinnati. This isn’t just some run-of-the-mill player; we’re talking about an MVP-caliber talent whose biggest challenge has always been staying on the field. The good news? Burrow quickly jumped in to calm those fears after practice, saying he’s just dealing with some back tightness and what he called “normal game day soreness.” He flat-out said it was “ridiculous” to even suggest he wouldn’t be out there against the Houston Texans for Week 2.
“Ridiculous” to Think He’d Miss Week 2? Maybe.
Burrow might say it’s ridiculous, but fans know his history. It’s unclear exactly when this back issue popped up, though there was a brutal hit near his throwing shoulder on a scramble at the end of the first half last Sunday. Yeah, the one from the Week 1 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later said Wednesday he couldn’t pinpoint a specific play, which is kinda wild, right? What we do know is he didn’t miss a single snap after that hit. He still slung it, completing 11 of 15 passes for 121 yards in the second half. He even threw a pick-six in there, but didn’t look limited as the Bengals closed out the 33-27 win. So, he played through it, no problem. Or so it seemed.
That Injury History Is No Joke
Here’s the rub and why “normal game day soreness” feels like a red flag to fans: Burrow has missed serious time with injuries before. He was out for six games as a rookie after tearing his ACL. Then he missed another six games with a wrist injury in 2023. And last season? He was limited to just eight games because of a foot injury. Seriously, that’s a lot of missed time for a guy who, when healthy, absolutely lights it up. When Burrow plays every single game, he’s a beast: two Comeback Player of the Year awards, two Pro Bowls, and he’s finished fourth in MVP voting twice. So, seeing him already dealing with any kind of ailment, especially this early in the season, has to be a major cause for concern for everyone watching.
The Bengals are heading into Week 2 with Burrow under center against the Houston Texans, and every pass, every scramble, and every hit he takes will be under the microscope. Will this “normal soreness” stay normal, or is it a sign of a long season ahead? It’s a question that could define their entire year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply