27 July 2023 , 20:21
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Joe Burrow was carted off during Cincinnati Bengals practice, with the franchise left panicking over the status of their quarterback.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has confirmed it was a calf injury that was troubling Burrow, and that he is currently being examined. Burrow suffered the injury during an 11-on-11 training drill, but his team-mates instantly stopped as they saw him limping and then sitting on the ground.
Burrow has been incredible for the Bengals since being drafted in 2020, especially after bouncing back from an ACL tear in his rookie season. The Bengals star is likely to be the next quarterback from that draft class to earn a major contract.
Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert have already landed record-breaking deals, but Burrow isn't worried about when his moment comes. He will be hoping that his is only a minor issue though, especially after the injury he sustained at the start of his NFL career.
There is a sense of panic surrounding Burrow's injury, but the medics are often on hand by the sidelines to help in these moments. Especially with injuries being more common when players are making their way back and carts are usually stationed around the field.
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Burrow's limp was obvious though, and the way he slumped into the chair looked like he knew there was a major issue. But coach Taylor has already said it's calf trouble, ruling out a second, and potentially career-ending ACL tear.
Week 11 of Burrow's rookie season ended with him leaving the field after tearing the MCL in addition to the ACL in his left knee. It was a brutal injury and commentators were stunned into silence as the former No. 1 overall pick received treatment.
Burrow then underwent reconstructive surgery and rehab to prepare for the 2021 season and made a full recovery. Since then his rise has been remarkable, making it to the Super Bowl the very next season.
The Bengals lost the Super Bowl 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams, as Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp rounded off a stunning season. But the Bengals made it right back to the AFC Championship game last season, although they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Burrow and his team can at least say they've lost to the winners two seasons running, but 2023 was meant to be the year that they get things right. The Bengals have a stunning offense and a resilient defence, but without Burrow they are nowhere near as dangerous.
The Bengals have Trevor Siemian as their back-up, although the 31-year-old hasn't played regularly since 2017. Sieman's last season as starter was with the Denver Broncos, but he will be called upon for the time being.