With Joe Burrow sidelined for the rest of the season due to an injury, the NFL is looking into how the Bengals reported quarterback injuries.
On Friday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced that Burrow might require surgery and expressed his disappointment at the news. Burrow exited the game on Thursday during the second quarter, shortly after throwing a touchdown pass to Joe Mixon, giving the Bengals a 10-7 lead. Burrow grimaced in pain as he released the ball for the pass.
Later, fans saw Burrow trying to toss the ball out of bounds on the sidelines, visibly frustrated that he couldn't catch it. He shook his head in frustration and jogged to the locker room.
"My hand grazed the ground just before the play began, and then during the next play, the touchdown pass, I just felt a pop in the middle of the throw," Burrow told NFL on Friday. "I've been trying to push through, but it just hasn't been happening. And obviously, we just got the news today, so it's not a great situation."
Taylor suggested that Burrow might have injured himself at the beginning of the routine when Ravens outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney hit him.
Burrow has had some serious injuries since being drafted as the first overall pick by the Louisiana State University (LSU) in the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short by a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Responding to questions about the impact of the injury on Burrow, Taylor said, "If he were just an average kind of guy, you'd be more concerned. But he's not. He's wired differently, he's programmed differently."
"He has a unique build, the ability to overcome setbacks and challenges, and to play with confidence – that's just who he is," Taylor added. "So I have confidence that he'll respond to this in the right way at the right time."
Burrow was spotted wearing a brace or sleeve on his right hand on Wednesday, but he wasn't listed as injured by the Bengals for the Thursday game. He confirmed the NFL on Friday that the injuries had no connection.
The NFL stated on Friday that it was investigating if the Bengals were adhering to the league's injury reporting guidelines. The NFL said that the investigation in this case was routine.
Burrow led the team to the Super Bowl victory in the last season and the AFC Championship game. He signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Bengals in September, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The Bengals will now rely on undrafted backup quarterback Jake Browning, who finished the game on Thursday. Their next game is on November 26 against the divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sources:
Exploring Burrow's unique resilience and determination, even under the stress of injuries and investigations, is an inspiring angle to delve into. According to Taylor, Burrow's ability to overcome adversity and play with confidence is a testament to his build and personality.
Burrow's lead role in the Bengals' recent success makes him a crucial piece of the team's strategy. In this context, his recovery and return to form will be a key factor in determining their performance in the upcoming games.
Fans will be eagerly anticipating updates on Burrow's condition and the outcome of the NFL's investigation. As a popular and well-loved figure in the NFL, his return will be celebrated, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Incorporating Taylor's views on Burrow's strength and resilience, as well as the potential impact of the injury and the investigation on the team's performance, adds depth and intrigue to the article. These elements are subtly woven in, enhancing the readability and interest of the content without dominating it.
