In the recent Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a setback with a sprained right wrist, as revealed by coach Zac Taylor based on preliminary assessments.
Burrow’s departure from the game occurred in the second quarter, and he was visibly nursing his wrist, sporting a multi-layered wrap in the locker room afterward. Coach Taylor explained that Burrow had fallen on his wrist earlier in the game, and the discomfort escalated after he threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Joe Mixon, marking the end of Burrow’s game.
Taylor suggested that the injury appeared to be a sprain, emphasizing that Burrow had fallen on the wrist earlier in the game and then experienced increased discomfort during the touchdown pass. However, Taylor did not have additional details immediately after the game.
The timeline of when Burrow first experienced discomfort with his wrist remains unclear. During the touchdown pass to Mixon, there was no contact with other players, but Burrow dropped to the field in evident pain. He briefly entered the team’s medical tent before returning to the sideline. Subsequent attempts at warming up revealed challenges for Burrow, as he struggled with ball control and eventually left for the locker room.
Burrow’s stats for the game included 11-of-17 passing for 101 yards and a touchdown. Backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped in to replace him, completing 8-of-14 passes for 68 yards and a late touchdown to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Before the game, there were no indications of Burrow dealing with a wrist issue. Taylor expressed confidence in Burrow’s condition before the game, highlighting his performance in the first half.
The injury compounded the challenges for the Bengals, who were already facing a 21-10 deficit at halftime. Center Ted Karras mentioned that halftime discussions were standard, focusing on adjustments for the second half. Browning, thrust into a high-pressure situation, expressed confidence and readiness based on consistent preparation.
Coach Taylor had limited information on the extent of Burrow’s injury and noted that the team’s morale remained intact despite Burrow’s departure. The game also saw another significant injury, with starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt leaving due to a quadriceps injury.
Despite the setbacks, the Bengals recognize the high stakes of the game against the division-leading Ravens. With the Ravens securing a season-sweep, the Bengals find themselves at the bottom of the division, facing a challenging path in their postseason aspirations, regardless of Burrow’s status.
Wide receiver Tyler Boyd acknowledged the impact of Burrow’s injury but emphasized the need for the team to rally and continue preparing for upcoming challenges, supporting backup quarterback Jake Browning in their collective effort to make plays.
