The Cincinnati Bengals were desperate to avoid another one of the slow starts to the season that have contributed to the franchise missing the playoffs in the last two seasons. In fact, the Bengals even put star quarterback Joe Burrow at increased risk of injury to help get him into a rhythm ahead of the season.
“Bengals coach Zac Taylor tells reporters that QB Joe Burrow and other big name players will play several series on Thursday night and more in game two against the #Commanders. New way of doing it, with eyes on starting fast,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported during the preseason.
In one regard, the plan was successful, as the Bengals are 2-0 to start the season. Unfortunately, exposing Burrow to extra hits might have contributed to the latest development, as Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Bengals say QB Joe Burrow has a left toe injury and his return today is questionable,” ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported after Burrow exited the game.
After the game, there was optimism that Burrow could be back in a few weeks, depending on what a specialist found in scans of Burrow’s toe.
“Sources: Images of Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury are being sent to noted foot specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson, to be reviewed. If surgery is deemed necessary, it would be expected to sideline Burrow three months. Burrow was in a walking boot and on crutches after today’s game,” Schefter Tweeted.
Unfortunately, things went worse than the Bengals were hoping for.
“ESPN sources: Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months,” Schefter reported.
Fans reacted to the injury on social media.
“Has to be the worst team construction of all time. All the money to 4 players and they wonder why they are the most inconsistent franchise,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Look, you can’t just plug someone else in for a guy like Burrow and expect the same results. His chemistry with the receivers is top-notch, and his game management is elite. Without him, their playoff hopes are pretty much toast. It’s a huge setback they probably won’t recover from,” someone else added.
“Cincinnati’s handling of Joe Burrow is disgraceful. It’s been 6 years, and the Bengals haven’t built a competent O-line to protect him,” another fan added.
IT’ll be interesting to see if the Bengals change their approach to roster construction moving forward.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.