Joe Burrow, the charismatic and highly talented quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier players. However, his young NFL career has been marked by a series of injuries that have punctuated his brilliance and raised concerns among fans. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Joe Burrow’s injury history, the specifics of his most recent setback, the recovery process, and addresses the questions that are top of mind for football enthusiasts.
A History of Injuries: From College to the NFL
Burrow’s journey to NFL stardom has not been without physical hurdles. Even before entering the professional ranks, he faced injuries that impacted his career trajectory:
Ohio State (2017): Prior to the 2017 season at Ohio State, Burrow suffered a broken bone in his throwing hand. This injury sidelined him and ultimately played a role in his decision to transfer to LSU for more playing time.
LSU (2019): During LSU’s remarkable 2019 National Championship season, Burrow sustained a significant hit in the championship game against Clemson, reportedly tearing cartilage in his ribs. Despite the pain, he finished the game, leading the Tigers to victory.
Upon entering the NFL, the physical demands of the league brought further challenges:
Rookie Season (2020): Burrow’s promising rookie season with the Bengals was cut short in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team. He suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing his ACL and MCL in his left knee after taking a low hit. This injury required reconstructive surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Off-season (2021): While recovering from his knee injury, Burrow also underwent an appendectomy in the summer of 2021, adding another minor setback to his off-season.
Training Camp (2022): Ahead of the 2022 season, Burrow dealt with a calf strain during training camp. While he was able to start the season, the injury likely impacted his mobility and performance in the early weeks.
2023 Season – Wrist Injury: The most recent significant injury occurred in Week 11 of the 2023 season during a Thursday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens. After throwing a touchdown pass, Burrow was seen clutching his right wrist. It was later revealed that he had suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist, requiring season-ending surgery.
The 2023 Wrist Injury: Details and Immediate Impact
The torn ligament in Joe Burrow’s right wrist was a significant blow to the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff aspirations in the 2023 season. The injury occurred on November 16, 2023. Initial reports indicated a wrist sprain, but an MRI confirmed the more severe diagnosis of a torn scaphoid lunate ligament, a crucial stabilizer of the wrist.
The immediate impact was the end of Burrow’s season. His absence significantly altered the Bengals’ offensive capabilities, forcing backup quarterback Jake Browning into the starting role. While Browning performed admirably, the team ultimately fell short of the playoffs.
FAQs
What is Joe Burrow’s current injury status?
As of April 30, 2025, Joe Burrow is not listed on the Cincinnati Bengals’ injury report. He has recovered from his previous wrist and knee injuries and is participating fully in team activities.
Cincinnati Bengals Official Site
What injuries has Joe Burrow sustained in his NFL career?
Joe Burrow has dealt with several injuries during his NFL tenure:
2020: Tore ACL and MCL in his left knee.
2023: Suffered a season-ending right wrist injury requiring surgery.
2024: Experienced a left knee injury in Week 14 and a head injury in Week 18 but returned to play in both instances.
How did Burrow perform after his wrist surgery?
In the 2024 season, Burrow achieved a career-high 72.3% completion rate and threw for over 4,000 yards with 39 touchdowns. Despite lingering effects from the wrist injury, he expressed confidence in his continued improvement for the 2025 season.
Did Burrow miss any games due to injuries in 2024?
No, Burrow played in all games during the 2024 season, despite dealing with wrist and knee issues. He was briefly evaluated for a concussion in Week 18 but returned to the game.
What measures are the Bengals taking to protect Burrow?
The Bengals have prioritized strengthening their offensive line to safeguard Burrow. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected guard Dylan Fairchild in the third round, aiming to enhance pass protection.
How has Burrow addressed concerns about his injuries?
Burrow has been proactive in his recovery, engaging in physical therapy and arm care routines. He has stated that he no longer thinks about his wrist injury and feels he’s in a good spot health-wise.
What is the outlook for Burrow in the 2025 season?
Burrow is optimistic about his performance in the upcoming season, believing he can improve upon his 2024 statistics. He anticipates better throwing capabilities as he continues to recover fully from his wrist injury.
How have Burrow’s injuries impacted the Bengals’ strategy?
The Bengals have focused on bolstering their offensive line and overall team depth to mitigate injury risks and support Burrow’s health and performance. Their draft picks and player acquisitions reflect this strategic emphasis.
To conclude
Joe Burrow’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout his NFL career, overcoming significant injuries to lead the Cincinnati Bengals effectively. His proactive approach to recovery and the team’s strategic moves to enhance protection signal a promising outlook for the 2025 season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Burrow’s continued development and the Bengals’ reinforced lineup will translate into on-field success.
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