Is Joe Burrow Playing in Week 1? Latest Injury Update for Bengals QB

Joe Burrow became the highest-paid player in NFL history when he agreed to a five-year, $275 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. But will he suit up when the Bengals face the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Sunday?

A calf strain cost Burrow time during training camp and put his availability for the season opener in question. With Week 1 just days away, what is Burrow’s injury status?

Update: Joe Burrow was pulled in the fourth quarter after the Bengals were down multiple scores with limited time remaining.

Will Joe Burrow Play on Sunday?

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced Friday that Burrow will start against Cleveland on Sunday.

If Burrow suffers calf tightness in Week 1, does the Bengals staff trust the fourth-year quarterback to let them know?

“You know, that’s just for him to give to us,” Taylor said today. “And we’ve had these conversations over the last couple of weeks where you got to be honest, you know, it’s all season.

“And if you’re not ready to go, then let’s not do this. But the feedback’s always been ready to go. So that’s that’s where we’re at. What he wants to share beyond that, it’s is up to him as a game goes.”

Burrow initially returned to practice last week and has continued to participate in sessions this week. Cincinnati listed him on the injury report on Wednesday and Thursday, but he logged full practices on both days.

Zac says Burrow will play

— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) September 8, 2023

Burrow’s participation in yesterday’s practice was especially notable, as the Bengals were in full pads.

“We’re feeling out that process right now,” Burrow said during Wednesday’s news conference. “Tomorrow we’re in pads, and so speed will ramp up even more than today. Feel these next two days out and see where it is.”

Thursday marked six weeks since Burrow went down with a calf strain during a July training camp practice. While Burrow was widely expected to recover in time for the start of the season, the possibility of a reaggravation was always on the table.

Still, Taylor’s answers on Thursday indicated that Burrow would be ready for Week 1.

“We talk way more about Cleveland than we talk about any of this,” Taylor said when asked about Burrow’s calf strain. “I think it’s on y’all’s minds. But for us, it’s focusing on the game plan, and those are 99.9 percent of our conversations.”

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Later, Taylor was asked if he could go into the Browns game asking Burrow to limit how much he tries to scramble or run.

“You’ve got to let him go,” Taylor said. “You just gotta go play the game.”