In a Week 2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow re-aggravated a strained calf he had originally suffered early in training camp, and his status moving forward is now uncertain.
All of a sudden, what had looked like an extremely promising season for the Bengals is looking like it could turn into a lost year, as they’re 0-2 right now.
Yet Burrow was still able to take part in some football activity this week, and he was seen making some throws during practice on Friday, per Kelsey Conway.
Here is Joe Burrow throwing to start practice #Bengals pic.twitter.com/472R8cASXf
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 22, 2023
Strained calves can take quite a while to fully heal, and when an athlete returns before it has fully healed, he is at risk for a more serious injury.
That is exactly what happened to Kevin Durant a few years ago when he played on a strained calf during the NBA Finals and promptly tore his Achilles, costing him a full season of basketball.
Some, including teammate Ja’Marr Chase, have said Burrow should sit out for an extended stretch and allow his calf to fully heal.
If he does so, the Bengals will lose more games and possibly be in danger of missing the playoffs, but playing the long game would be the proper way to handle this difficult situation.
Once the season ends, Chase and fellow stud wide receiver Tee Higgins will be up for contract extensions, and many question whether Cincinnati will be able to afford to keep both.
But if they do pay both of them, their future will be very bright given good health, and they should have multiple shots at winning their first Super Bowl championship.
NEXT: Zac Taylor Reveals His Thoughts On Joe Burrow’s Health
