If there's one thing that could quickly derail the Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl hopes this season, it's an injury to Joe Burrow. The Bengals quarterback has dealt with multiple serious injuries in his career, so it raised a few eyebrows on Wednesday when he didn't really participate in the portion of practice that was open to the media. According to multiple reports, Burrow didn't take part in the stretch before practice, and he wasn't really throwing the ball during the normal warm-up period with the other quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow opened practice in a very limited capacity. Also appears to have some sort of brace on his throwing shoulder. Will know more when we talk to him shortly. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/8sKDHzeucZ So is it panic time in Cincinnati?
For one, Burrow did throw the ball with Joe Flacco before the team's stretching period, according to Paul Dehner of The Athletic. Also, the Bengals sent Burrow out for his normal weekly press conference after practice. During the regular season, Burrow holds his weekly press conference every Wednesday.
If he were dealing with a serious injury, the Bengals would likely have canceled it, but instead, the QB answered every question he was asked about the injury. During the press conference, Burrow noted that he's currently dealing with some "back tightness." The Bengals star also added that he feels "good" and that he's simply dealing with "normal game-day soreness." Although he admitted that he's dealing with a back issue, Burrow made it as clear as possible that he plans on playing Sunday in Houston. The veteran QB was asked if he might consider sitting out the Texans game as a precaution and he gave a three-word answer.
Although he plans on playing this weekend, he's not so sure if he's going to be able to practice. He was limited on Wednesday and he's not sure if he'll be back on the field as full participant for Thursday's practice. "We'll see how we feel tomorrow," Burrow said.
With the Bengals going up against a tough Texans defense, it obviously wouldn't be ideal if he has to miss the entire week of practice, but even if that happens, Burrow doesn't think it will impact his ability to start on Sunday. "It shouldn't really, we get a lot of mental reps, and we walk through a lot of plays, so I'll be alright," the three-time Pro Bowler said. Burrow, who threw for 254 yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers in Week 1, wasn't exactly sure when he got injured in the Bengals' 33-27 win.
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