The Cincinnati Bengals are off to an 0-2 start to the season, just like last season.
But, unlike in the previous campaign, Joe Burrow is far from healthy, and that’s a major difference.
The Bengals rallied to win 12 of their last 14 games last season, but there’s simply no way they’ll be able to do that if Burrow isn’t on the field this time.
That’s why some fans urged him to sit until he gets back to full strength, even if that means starting 0-3 or worse and — obviously — missing Monday night’s showdown vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
However, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini, the young superstar is trending in the right direction to suit up and play, and he should be on the field, barring any setbacks.
QB Joe Burrow is going through a workout this morning. I'm told there's optimism he will play and his status for tonight is trending in the right direction, per sources. Burrow is campaigning with the coaching staff and trainers to play, however his status is still uncertain.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 25, 2023
This is obviously a huge game for the Bengals, who are still looking to get revenge for that heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl two years ago.
More than that, they know that starting the season 0-3 is a big blow to their postseason aspirations, especially in such a competitive division like the AFC North.
Nonetheless, Burrow and the coaching staff might want to think about the long term, as he’s still young and just signed the most lucrative deal in NFL history.
Calf injuries have been correlated with Achilles injuries; just look at what happened to Aaron Rodgers a couple of weeks ago.
Hopefully, that won’t be the case, but it feels like a situation in which the team needs to protect the player from himself.
NEXT: Reporter Notes Bengals' Players Feelings About Joe Burrow's Status
