The Cincinnati Bengals’ season began with promise, but ultimately fell short of expectations. They finished the year with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The team’s struggles began early, when starting quarterback Joe Burrow succumbed to a season-ending injury, adding his name to the growing list of players sidelined for the year.
With the 2024 season looming on the horizon, Bengals supporters are anxiously awaiting news of Burrow’s progress as they eagerly anticipate his return to action. For them, the Bengals starter himself came out with the timeline of his possible return on the field.
When will Joe Burrow return from injury?
Joe Burrow is optimistic about his recovery timeline, aiming for a mid-May return to full-contact action. In a conversation with ESPN‘s Ben Baby, Burrow shared his expectations and plans for the coming months.
“I think middle of May is when I am expecting to kind of be cleared for full contact and everything. Over the next month [to] month and a half, we’ll kind of decide all those things.”
Burrow’s rehabilitation progress has been encouraging, as he has begun throwing small medicine balls and regaining strength in his injured knee. He expressed confidence that his recovery timeline aligns with his previous offseason routines following a marketing event with Guinness.
“I can lift basically normally now, which I’m excited about,” said Burrow. “So the next two months, I’ll basically be just doing what I’ve done for the last couple of years. Just the 12 weeks of extra work in the rearview.”
The 28-year-old has been a standout performer since entering the NFL in 2020 as the first overall pick. Despite facing challenges, including his injury recovery, Burrow has consistently delivered impressive performances, throwing for 30-plus touchdowns in each season he played more than 10 games.
Looking at Joe Burrow’s injury-stricken 2023 NFL season
Burrow’s 2023 campaign was derailed by injuries, leaving his season unfinished and his potential untapped. The young quarterback started the year strong, but his momentum was halted by a persistent calf injury that began in training camp and plagued him throughout the early weeks of the regular season.
Though his teammate Ja’Marr Chase advised him to prioritize rest, Burrow returned to action in Week 2, determined to lead his team on the field. Nevertheless, his efforts were hindered when he suffered a ligament tear in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, abruptly ending his season.
The injury woes continued for the former LSU quarterback as he underwent surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his throwing hand. The procedure, performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham, necessitated a lengthy recovery period. It cast uncertainty over Burrow’s return to action.
With star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined due to injury, backup Jake Browning took the reins and guided the Bengals for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, the team’s rhythm faltered in Burrow’s absence, ultimately derailing their playoff aspirations. Notably, the 2023 season marked the second time in Burrow’s young NFL career that injuries cut his season short.
As Burrow faces a lengthy recovery process, Bengals fans eagerly await his return to the field.
