The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves facing a challenging start to the 2023 season.
Amidst the training camp, an unfortunate event transpired when their stellar quarterback, Joe Burrow, was regrettably carried off the field. The incident occurred on Thursday, as he sustained a calf injury without any altercation with another player.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that the diagnosis for Burrow is a strained calf. While the exact timetable for his recovery is uncertain, a source informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that a strain represents the “100% best-case scenario.”
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spoke to reporters and revealed that Burrow seemed to be doing well and conveyed positive indications about his condition.
“We always give each other that nod,” Chase said. “He gave me a nod he’s all right. He’s a strong dude.”
The tidings of any harm to the 26-year-old quarterback evoke apprehension in Cincinnati. In the course of his inaugural season in 2020, Burrow showcased the reasons behind his status as the foremost pick, exhibiting his prowess by amassing 2,688 yards through the air, orchestrating 13 touchdowns and a mere five interceptions, all while boasting an impressive completion rate of 65.3 percent in 10 starts. it was evident that Burrow possessed great talent.
Unfortunately, his rookie year came to a halt when he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in November. However, he bounced back impressively in his sophomore campaign, throwing for 4,611 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Burrow also completed a league-high 70.4 percent of his passes, leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance.
Despite their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in that championship game, the Bengals had found their star player and a potential future MVP.
In the lead-up to the 2022 season, there were concerns about Burrow’s health again, as it was revealed that he sprained his MCL in the Super Bowl. Fortunately, he didn’t require surgery, but he also underwent an appendectomy in late July.
However, in 2022, Burrow continued his ascent, throwing for 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a completion rate of 68.3 percent.
With Burrow leading the team, the Bengals are a formidable contender, boasting one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. He has a talented group of weapons in running back Joe Mixon and wide receivers Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
Notwithstanding, should Burrow endure a substantial absence due to this recent injury, the Bengals’ championship aspirations could be jeopardized. During his vacancy, Trevor Siemian will assume the role of the team’s quarterback.
Siemian may not quite measure up to Burrow’s caliber, but it is evident that Burrow is not a player who can be effortlessly substituted.