Ahead of the 2023 NFL season, the consensus is that the Cincinnati Bengals are a legitimate Super Bowl title contender, with Joe Burrow and company ready to come out on top in the AFC and show they have what it takes to win it all.
Unfortunately, the Bengals have already suffered a significant setback, with their superstar quarterback going down with a calf strain during practice as training camp started to get underway.
With Burrow being as talented as he is, the Bengals will only go as far as he takes them, as he’s the heart and soul of the team as well as the face of the franchise for many years to come.
As of right now, there’s no set timetable for Burrow’s return, and his superstar teammate Ja’Marr Chase wants him to take his time returning to the field in order to avoid further injury, as he told Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network.
Joe Burrow is playing Week 1, right?@Real10jayy__ on @nflnetwork:
“I told him, that with all honesty, I don’t want him there.” pic.twitter.com/0YbX8KHKTL
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) August 4, 2023
There’s no telling whether this calf strain will keep Burrow sidelined for an extended period of time as the team expects him to be ready for the start of the season, but it is interesting to hear Chase telling him to take his time as there’s no need to rush.
That’s some wise advice from a player that has dealt with injuries himself, as there’s no point in risking long-term health just to be ready for the start of the season when an extra week or two might help the healing process.
In Week 1, the Bengals will go on the road to face the division-rival Cleveland Browns, which is expected to be a battle with or without Burrow on the field.
NEXT: Nick Wright Shares Concerns About Joe Burrow's Potential Injury Problems This Season
