Despite Joe Burrow suffering a season-ending right wrist injury in Week 11 last season, the Cincinnati Bengals don’t seem too concerned about the quarterback’s health.
Before the start of OTAs on Tuesday, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher told Geoff Hobson of the team website that Burrow won’t be on a pitch count.
“We designed the whole thing to stay within the constraints of where the medical people think he should be and where he wants to be right now,” Pitcher said, via Hobson. “Nobody is sitting there with a special pitch counter. But we’ve been smart in how we put it together.”
Pitcher also seemed to signal Burrow is making a quick recovery, noting how he has “all his range and power.”
Burrow — a former No. 1 overall pick — is one of the best QBs in the league, but his durability is an issue. During his rookie season in 2020, he suffered a season-ending ACL tear. He also injured his calf during training camp last season.
If Burrow stays healthy, he could help the Bengals win their first Super Bowl. The 27-year-old QB guided Cincinnati to Super Bowl LVI, where the Bengals lost 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams. Plus, he leads active players in completion percentage (68 percent), per Pro Football Reference.
The Bengals’ decision not to place Burrow on a pitch count could be an excellent sign. It suggests that they’re not worried about him suffering another injury, and he is making solid progress.
In 2021, Burrow won Comeback Player of the Year. Perhaps he’ll capture the award for a second time this upcoming season. As of Monday, DraftKings gives him the second-best CPOY odds (+200) behind New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers.
