Ja'Marr Chase has stark warning for quarterback Joe Burrow after injury concern

05 August 2023 , 15:25

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has told quarterback Joe Burrow to not rush back from his injury recovery (Image: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase has explained why he does not want Joe Burrow to rush back from injury.

There was fear for Bengals fans everywhere after Burrow went down in pain during practice in a pre-season training camp. The Bengals quarterback suffered what was later discovered to be a calf strain and will spend the next few weeks in recovery.

In response to the injury, the Bengals moved to strengthen their QB room with the signing of Reid Sinnett. The 26-year-old is expected to be part of the Bengals training camp ahead of the new season, but is likely to be behind Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning on the depth chart.

The Bengals confirmed that Burrow will need “several weeks” in rehab to be able to recover from the injury. That means there is a real danger the QB could miss the start of the 2023 NFL regular season.

Before then, there is the small matter of the pre-season programme that includes friendly games throughout August. The Bengals will play games against the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders.

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However, all eyes will be on the Week One opener against AFC North divisional rivals the Cleveland Browns. But at this stage it’s unlikely that Burrow will recover in time to be able to play a part.

And for his teammate, Chase, it’s a case of making sure the QB does not rush back from the injury too soon. Chase, a No.5 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft, has revealed that he has told Burrow to take the extra time in rehab and miss a game if necessary.

"I told him that with all honesty I don't want him there," Chase told NFL.com, when asked about Burrow’s injury.

"I sat out an extra game just to let my hip all the way heal up, and you don't want to cause no other problems later on in the season, and I told him as long as you're there after Week Five and on, we're good brother.

When he was asked if he had the ability to help Burrow recover faster, Chase said: "I wish I did, man.

“I'm looking at him every day, watching him every day, seeing his rehab, so you know he looks good right now, like I said when it first happened, I've seen his demeanor and the way that he felt I could already tell what happened to him.

“So he's in good hands, working well, getting his sleep in."

Mark Wakefield