After a long six-week absence, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made his much-anticipated return to practice on Wednesday. Burrow had been sidelined with a strained right calf that he sustained back on July 27. The media was allowed to observe his practice session, and it was a sight for sore eyes for Bengals fans. Burrow participated in all the throwing drills alongside assistant coach Dan Pitcher and fellow quarterbacks Jake Browning and Will Grier, who recently joined the team’s practice squad. It was evident that Burrow’s presence brought a sense of optimism and relief to the team.
For the Bengals organization, Burrow’s return couldn’t come soon enough. The team had been anxiously awaiting his recovery from the calf issue, knowing how vital he is to their success on the field. Wide receiver Tee Higgins expressed his joy at seeing Burrow back in action, mentioning the “big smile on his face” during practice. Even rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had a close connection with Burrow during their time together at LSU, emphasized the importance of Burrow’s health and well-being. It is clear that the Bengals’ primary goal is to ensure that their star quarterback is fully healthy and ready to give his best performance on game day.
Burrow’s journey back to the field has not been an easy one. This is not the first time he has had to overcome adversity in preparation for a season opener. In 2021, he had to recover from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee that prematurely ended his rookie season. Then, just last year, he faced yet another setback when he suffered a ruptured appendix right before training camp. Despite these challenges, Burrow has consistently shown resilience and determination in his recovery process. His return to practice this week serves as another testament to his unwavering commitment to his team and the sport he loves.
Wednesday’s practice provided a glimpse of what fans can expect from Burrow in the upcoming season. Although it was his first day back, Burrow made progress in familiarizing himself with his reps, steps, and timing. He engaged in various drills, including a “routes on air” session with the receivers and a 7-on-7 practice. The highlight of the day was a perfectly thrown deep ball to rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones, which demonstrated Burrow’s accuracy and precision. Despite still having more to prove in the coming days, Burrow’s return to the practice field is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the Bengals.
As the Bengals gear up for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 10, Burrow’s return injects optimism and confidence into the team. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick has already proven himself as a capable and talented quarterback in the NFL, finishing 10th in Total QBR in 2022 and earning consideration for the Most Valuable Player award. With Burrow’s return to practice, the Bengals can now focus on further refining their strategies and ensuring that their star quarterback is in prime condition for the highly anticipated matchup. The road to the regular season has been challenging, but with Burrow back in action, the Bengals have newfound hope for a successful and promising campaign.
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