In spite of the fact that it’s only June, when quarterback Joe Burrow is not on the practice field for the Cincinnati Bengals, questions are bound to swirl.
After all, 2023’s promising season was dealt a fatal blow in week 11 when Burrow suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
Tuesday’s no-show at the Bengals OTA was quickly noted by the media, but head coach Zac Taylor insisted there was nothing to worry about.
He explained that the team will give Burrow “a day off every week” before noting that the franchise quarterback “threw yesterday.”
Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow not being at #Bengals OTA today: “We’ve given Joe a day off every week. I didn’t time this out right. Thought you guys were out here yesterday. Threw yesterday.”
Said they had not ever gone more than two days in a row. Expected to throw next week.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) June 4, 2024
Despite the better than expected performance by backup Jake Browning after Burrow’s injury last season, no one was fooled into believing the success of this team is not firmly rooted in the health of the LSU product.
After all, he led his team to a 22-10 regular season mark in his two healthy years in 2021 and 2022, as well as a Super Bowl berth against Los Angeles after the 2021 season.
The AFC North may be loaded again this year, coming off the first season since 1935 in which every team in a division finished above .500.
For Taylor to give Burrow rest in June coming off the wrist injury is a wise move, and he certainly hopes to save his most valuable player for a much more critical time this fall.
After all, no one has ever won a Super Bowl before Independence Day, but a team’s hopes could certainly be dashed if it’s most important player at the most important position suffered an injury.
A Tuesday of rest for Burrow is an investment well worth making.
NEXT:
Zack Moss Sends Clear Message About His Role Ahead Of Season
