Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow to Miss Several Weeks with Calf Strain
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will be sidelined for several weeks due to a strained calf, according to coach Zac Taylor. This news comes as a blow to the team, but they are confident in their ability to manage without their star player. In this article, we will discuss what this diagnosis means for the Bengals, how it affects their camp goals, and whether it will impact Burrow’s pending contract extension.
What this diagnosis means
The Bengals have the luxury of time when it comes to Burrow’s recovery. They do not need to rush him back onto the field, especially considering the nature of his lower-extremity injury. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan highlighted the benefit of the team’s continuity, with Burrow having had more work in July this year than in previous seasons. The Bengals have a strong receiving corps and an established coaching staff, which should help them weather Burrow’s absence. As long as Burrow can avoid any recurrence of the injury, this setback will likely be forgotten by the time September rolls around.
Does this affect camp goals?
One silver lining of Burrow’s absence is that it provides an opportunity to evaluate the backup quarterback battle between Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian. Additionally, the team may bring in a third quarterback for camp. However, with the receivers not needing extensive work, the offense should still be able to function effectively and accomplish their goals. Callahan does not anticipate significant changes to their plans for the month.
Does this affect the pending contract extension?
The injury does not appear to have any impact on Burrow’s contract extension. The Bengals were already in the process of negotiating a deal before the injury, and they are expected to continue working towards finalizing it while Burrow recovers. Despite his injury history, which includes ACL/MCL tears, a pinkie finger injury, throat injury, and another knee injury, the Bengals view Burrow as the cornerstone of their franchise. They have no hesitation in making him the highest-paid player in football.
Backstory
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Burrow has faced injury or illness during the preseason. Last year, he underwent an appendectomy, and the previous season, he was recovering from a torn ACL. Despite these setbacks, Burrow has had impressive performances in the past two seasons, surpassing 4,400 passing yards each year and throwing 34 and 35 touchdowns in 2021 and 2022, respectively. As the number one pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow is entering his fourth professional season with high expectations and a contract extension on the horizon.
Comparisons to other quarterbacks’ contract extensions
It is worth noting that other quarterbacks, such as Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Justin Herbert of the Chargers, have recently signed lucrative contract extensions. Hurts signed a five-year deal worth $255 million in April, while Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension in July. These contracts serve as benchmarks for Burrow’s negotiations and highlight the significant financial commitment teams are willing to make for their franchise quarterbacks.
Conclusion
While Joe Burrow’s calf strain is undoubtedly a setback for the Bengals, they have the luxury of time to allow him to recover fully. The team’s continuity and strong offensive weapons should help them weather his absence. The injury is not expected to impact Burrow’s pending contract extension, as the Bengals remain committed to making him the highest-paid player in football. As long as Burrow can avoid further injuries, this setback will likely be forgotten by the time the regular season begins.