Cincinnati Bengals Star Quarterback Suffers Injury in Training Camp

The Cincinnati Bengals are the latest team to endure an unfortunate setback in the early days of training camp. Former first-overall pick and Super Bowl starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a calf strain in Thursday's practice that head coach Zac Taylor revealed is expected to sideline the Pro Bowler for "several weeks."

#Bengals coach Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow: Calf strain. It’ll take several weeks. pic.twitter.com/QlZL5AjB8P
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 28, 2023

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Burrow is expected to miss the entirety of the preseason but should be ready for Week 1. Burrow also missed the entire 2022 preseason and attempted only one pass in the 2021 preseason.

Burrow has quickly established himself as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks since entering the league as the top pick of the 2020 Draft after a legendary senior season at LSU that included an undefeated season, an NCAA Championship, a Heisman Trophy win, and countless records. Over the past two seasons, Burrow has led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and consecutive AFC Championship Game berths while compiling an impressive 9086 passing yards and 69 passing touchdowns.

Burrow is arguably the next young quarterback in line for an extension, and he'll likely top Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's massive deal whenever he elects to sign. This injury shouldn't affect that, and it will have a minimal impact on the 2023 season. Burrow has proven he can get by with limited action in the summer, and the Bengals are returning a lot of familiar faces with established chemistry at pass catcher. Barring more bad luck, the Bengals should be a contender in the AFC this season.