Bengals’ Joe Burrow: Wrist ‘Absolutely Not’ Impacting Throws After Injury Rehab

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 11, 2024

Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow denied his wrist surgery is causing him any issues to open the 2024 NFL season.

The 2022 Pro Bowler said Wednesday that his right wrist is “absolutely not” impacting his throws.

Burrow also brushed off the concerns from fans who noticed he seems to flex and shake his right wrist, including during Cincinnati’s 16-10 loss to the New England Patriots.

Charlie Goldsmith @CharlieG__Joe Burrow on flexing his wrist: when you’re coming back from an injury, you’re always trying to keep a joint loose. I’m keeping my mobility the way it’s supposed to be. I do it all the time.

Cincinnati Bengals @Bengals.@JoeyB responds to the water bottle scandal. pic.twitter.com/x8kKQqMxbF

The Bengals came out flat in Week 1 and their starting quarterback is partially responsible for that. Burrow finished 21-of-29 for 164 yards and showed little willingness to look downfield.

Jake Liscow @JakeLiscowPer NextGenStats, Burrow was pressured at the 3rd lowest rate of his entire career. He only averaged 5.6 YPA with no pressure. The passing chart is insane considering. pic.twitter.com/InerCy5jnG

Especially with how he still seemed to be favoring his throwing hand, the questions about its strength and mobility were inevitable.

There are other factors that might have played a role in Cincinnati’s lackluster offensive performance.

Tee Higgins was out due to a hamstring injury. Ja’Marr Chase suited up after having missed most of training camp due to his “hold-in,” and he experienced food poisoning the day before the game. Any quarterback would be prone to struggle amid those circumstances.

Jeremy Rauch of Fox19 in Cincinnati shared a photo of Burrow at practice Wednesday and he looked natural throwing the ball down the field.

Jeremy Rauch @FOX19JeremyJoe Burrow throwing deep balls just fine.

No noticeable reaction after any throws.#Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/fYR3KXerdD

Of course, practice is a lot different from game action and the Bengals have a big matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.

Even this early into the year, this is a game some will use to shape the hierarchy in the AFC. Getting out to an 0-2 start wouldn’t be a disaster for the Bengals but would perhaps serve as a reality check.