2 min read • August 17, 2023
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Cincinnati Bengals gunslinger Joe Burrow was back at practice Monday for the first time since suffering his right calf strain in late July.
Based on the injury and his play style, the Pro Football Docs have no doubt he will be under center for the first regular season game of the season against the Browns on Sept. 10.
He currently carries a SIC score of 77, but that may improve ahead of the first game. The main downgrade will be to his mobility outside the pocket and he likely won’t take opportunities to escape and run with the ball.
Even though he will be almost fully healed, there is a risk of reaggravation with any soft tissue injury – especially with calf injuries.
Burrow has missed time each of the past four preseasons, but has appeared unfazed. He did not play in the team’s first preseason game and it remains unclear whether he will play in the two remaining preseason contests.
Here are the issues Burrow has dealt with in his first four seasons.
2020: COVID, no games
2021: Returning from ACL, 3 snaps
2022: Appendix rupture, no action
2023: Calf strain, missed two weeks of practice
His rookie season was shortened by an ACL tear in Week 11. The past two seasons he has thrown for 4,611 yards and 4,475 yards, respectively.
Last year, Burrow had his best touchdown/interception ratio and finished fourth in MVP voting.
The main issue this season will be the health of his offensive line. He starts the year with a backup at right tackle in Jonah Williams.
Starting right tackle La’el Collins suffered a multi-ligament left knee injury and underwent surgery in January. The Bengals would be fortunate to have Collins ready and playing at his usual level by the second half of the season.
Our preseason injury report is up-to-date and available for the low price of $2.99. It contains detailed injury info on all 32 teams and over 150 players. Access it here.
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