Even though it’s early June, the absence of quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice field raises questions. The promising 2023 season took a downturn in week 11 when Burrow sustained a wrist injury, sidelining him for the rest of the year.
Media attention quickly focused on Burrow’s absence from Tuesday’s OTA session, but head coach Zac Taylor assured there was no cause for concern. Taylor clarified that the team plans to give Burrow “a day off every week” and mentioned that Burrow had participated in throwing sessions the day prior.
Despite the admirable performance of backup Jake Browning following Burrow’s injury last season, the team’s success remains heavily reliant on the health of the LSU standout. Burrow’s leadership guided the team to a 22-10 regular season record in his two healthy years in 2021 and 2022, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance against the Los Angeles Rams after the 2021 season.
With the AFC North poised to be competitive once again, following a season where every team finished above .500 for the first time since 1935, Taylor’s decision to grant Burrow rest in June, following his wrist injury, appears prudent. Preserving the health of their most valuable player for the crucial months ahead is a priority.
Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow not being at #Bengals OTA today: “We’ve given Joe a day off every week. I didn’t time this out right. Thought you guys were out here yesterday. Threw yesterday.”
Said they had not ever gone more than two days in a row. Expected to throw next week.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) June 4, 2024
While no Super Bowl has been won before Independence Day, a team’s prospects could be significantly impacted if their key player at the pivotal position sustains an injury. Therefore, giving Burrow a day of rest on Tuesday is viewed as a worthwhile investment.
