Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow aggravated a calf injury that initially occurred during training camp in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. After the game, Burrow mentioned feeling soreness in his calf, and he emphasized that the next few days would determine how he’s feeling heading into Week 3 when they face the Rams on Monday Night Football.
“I’ll give it a couple of nights, a few sleeps, and we’ll assess things from there,” Burrow told reporters.
Burrow disclosed that he tweaked his calf just before throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tee Higgins with 3:28 left in the game. Although he was visibly limping, Burrow continued to play. And head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the plan was for him to stay in the game. However, after connecting with Higgins for the touchdown. The Ravens managed to secure a pair of first downs to seal the victory.
It’s worth noting that Burrow had initially strained his calf on July 27. Which led to him missing the entire preseason and most of training camp. This extended period of inactivity might have contributed to a lingering soft tissue issue and some rustiness in his performance. As the Bengals started the season 0-2 for the second year in a row.
When asked whether the calf injury could continue to bother him throughout the 2023 season. Burrow remained uncertain, stating, “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Burrow did acknowledge that missing camp had an impact on his performance, particularly in Week 1 when he threw for just 82 yards in a 24-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Although his play and statistics improved against the Ravens with 222 passing yards and two touchdowns. It still fell short of his own expectations.
“It’s tough to start fast when your quarterback misses camp,” Burrow admitted.
Whether or not Burrow’s calf injury hampers him throughout the season remains uncertain. But the Bengals, along with their star quarterback, are facing a challenging start to the season at 0-2.
