Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ star quarterback, has made it clear that he will not be overcome by the fear of injuries. Despite a toe injury that kept him out of action for nine games, and with little chance of playoffs, Burrow is eager to return to the field.
Burrow and His Game Mentality
Burrow explained that he doesn’t see himself avoiding playing, even if there’s a risk of injury. “I’m not going to live my life and play this game in fear of something happening,” the quarterback stated. The player has suffered significant injuries in four of his six NFL seasons, including missing the last seven games of 2023 due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. Despite Cincinnati’s 3-8 record and six games remaining, Burrow didn’t consider missing games when healthy and isn’t worried about the risk of injury inherent in the sport.I’ve worked very hard to make that not happen.
Joe Burrow
Burrow was close to returning last weekend against the Patriots, but coach Zac Taylor decided to give him rest to avoid two games in five days. Although his left toe was fine, he felt discomfort after two full practices last week. Taylor made a good decision by keeping him out for a few more days.
Burrow acknowledged that Cincinnati probably needs to win their last six games to have a chance of making the postseason. The Bengals were in a similar situation last season, winning their last five games but failing to secure a wildcard spot. Taylor has been criticized, as the team is heading towards missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, after two consecutive AFC North championships and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. When asked what the team needs to do to become a contender again, Burrow said that the players must improve their performance and indirectly defended Taylor.The Bengals are looking to end a four-game losing streak against Baltimore in the AFC North rivalry. Burrow said he grew up watching American football games on Thanksgiving and dreamed of playing one himself. He also wanted to return for an intense intradivisional matchup.You have to go make plays and play great within the system. At the end of the day, players have to take some responsibility and play very well.
Joe Burrow
You have a lot of respect for the people on the other side of the ball, but when you play them twice a year, you get tired of them. You don’t like them. It’s a division rivalry. You respect them, but it’s intense out there.
Joe Burrow
