Bengals QB Joe Burrow's Unfortunate Setback: A Calf Strain Sidelines the Star

In a surprising turn of events, the Cincinnati Bengals' star quarterback, Joe Burrow, will be absent from the training camp due to a calf strain. This unexpected injury occurred during an 11-on-11 session where Burrow was seen in visible discomfort after a scramble to his right. The NFL Network Insider, Ian Rapoport, accurately reported that Burrow had suffered a calf strain, which was later confirmed.

The Impact on the Team

Burrow's absence is a significant blow to the Bengals, as he has been instrumental in their recent successes. Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning will now shoulder the responsibility of quarterback reps during Burrow's recovery period. The team also plans to add another quarterback, according to head coach Zac Taylor. While this news may not be ideal, it does alleviate some of the worst fears for the Bengals, as Burrow still has over five weeks before the kickoff of the 2023 season to recover.

Burrow's Stellar Career and Previous Injuries

Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has quickly risen to become one of the top quarterbacks in the game. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown for more than 4,400 yards and 34-plus touchdowns in each campaign, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl berth in 2021 and back-to-back division titles for the first time in franchise history. However, injuries are not new to Burrow. His promising rookie season ended with an ACL tear, and he underwent an appendectomy at the start of last year's camp.

Uncertainty Around Contract Negotiations

Before this injury, Burrow was in the midst of extension talks with the Bengals. It remains uncertain how this setback will impact these negotiations. As fans and the team alike hold their breath, the hope is that Burrow's recovery aligns with the "several weeks" window provided by Taylor, allowing him to return to the field stronger than ever.