Bengals give 'encouraging' Joe Burrow injury update as NFL opener nears

04 September 2023 , 22:05

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Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals has been recovering from a calf strain since July 27 (Image: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has provided another injury update on Joe Burrow.

The Heisman Trophy winner has been sidelined with a calf strain he sustained during practice on July 27. Burrow was taking part in a play when he fell to the floor after the snap and was then treated by medical staff.

Burrow was carted off the field for further evaluation by the Bengals medical team. It was later confirmed that the quarterback had sustained a calf strain and would be sidelined for what was described as “several weeks” by Taylor.

More than a month has passed since Burrow sustained the injury and there has been renewed hope that he could return in time for the 2023 NFL regular season. After the injury, there were initial fears that Burrow could miss the Week 1 opener against the Cleveland Browns.

But the fourth-year quarterback has returned to practice in recent days in a bid to be ready for the start of the season. Monday saw Burrow take part in his third practice session since making his return to the field following the injury.

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On Monday, Taylor spoke to reporters ahead of the final week of preparations before the start of the season. And the Bengals head coach was asked about Burrow’s chances of being available for the game against Cleveland.

When asked by reporters if Burrow would be available to play this weekend, Taylor was rather coy with his answer.

"He's just gonna take it day-to-day right now," Taylor said, via .

Taylor added: "Just keep getting reps in you know, and I thought today was a really good day for him. It was encouraging to see and so we'll just take it one day at a time.”

Regardless of where Burrow’s fitness levels are by the end of this week, Taylor and the Bengals will have a decision to make. Given that there will still be 16 more regular season games to play after the opener, the Bengals will have to weigh up taking the risk on Burrow’s fitness on whether or not to start the quarterback.

Should the Bengals proceed with caution and leave Burrow on the sidelines, it will likely mean that Jake Browning comes into the team to deputise in his fellow QB’s place. Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier was recently signed by the Bengals, but he will link up with the team’s practice squad as he looks to force his way into becoming the back-up to Burrow long-term.

Mark Wakefield