Bengals fans have been plenty frustrated with the team’s return on investment from quarterback Joe Burrow‘s record-breaking extension. Through two games, Burrow has averaged 152 yards per game while throwing two touchdowns and an interception. People were concerned about the calf injury that forced him out of practice early in training camp this summer and how it would affect him as the season began. Burrow has pointed to that injury as a big reason for some of his early struggles, according to Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network.
Morrison noted that Burrow spoke “with a level of concern” after today’s game when addressing his right calf. He claimed to have tweaked his calf in today’s loss to the Ravens. Not only did he consider it a factor today, and likely last week, but he also thought there was a chance that it could end up being a tight rope that he is forced to walk for the remainder of the season.
It’s not difficult to see that the Burrow we’ve seen so far this year has been far from what we’re used to seeing in recent years. It will be interesting to see how the Bengals move forward with the handling of Burrow’s calf. Pushing him too hard could result in an extended absence, while a short reprieve of a week or two could help him get on top of a recovery that seems to be troubling him. There’s a lot of season left to go, and the Bengals will be keeping a close eye on Burrow in the days and weeks to come.
Here are a few other updates from around the NFL:
- Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson got off to a hot start in the second game of his NFL career, rushing for two touchdowns early in today’s divisional matchup with the Texans. Richardson had to exit the game in the first half, though, after sustaining a concussion that would hold him out for the remainder of the contest. Richardson was replaced by backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, who helped secure the team’s first win of the season. Richardson will need to go through concussion protocols in order to return to the field. This season, the protocols for return take about five days to get through, meaning Richardson absolutely has a chance to return for Week 3 if he can pass the necessary tests. If not, Minshew will continue to play in relief.
- Giants running back Saquon Barkley was injured in the final two minutes of today’s win over the Cardinals. He was obviously kept out of the remainder of the game but was visibly upset on the sideline while surrounded by trainers. They taped Barkley’s ankle, but he continued to walk with a significant limp. According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, an x-ray was performed after the game, while Barkley was still experiencing some swelling and discomfort. It has now been reported as a sprained ankle, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, meaning New York may have dodged a giant bullet, forgive the pun. While this bodes well for Barkley’s season-long prospects, the short week will not be his friend. Expect the Giants to exercise caution and, barring a miracle recovery, hold Barkley out for their Thursday night matchup against the 49ers. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Barkley will undergo an MRI tomorrow in order to determine the severity of the injury and gain an idea of just how much time he may miss.
- Joining Richardson above, Commanders tight end Logan Thomas left the team’s win over the Broncos today with a concussion that he sustained after getting clobbered over the middle by Denver safety Kareem Jackson. Jackson was ejected for the hit. Backup tight ends John Bates and Cole Turner both got significant run in Thomas’ absence and will continue to do so if he isn’t able to return next week.
- Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee), Cowboys right guard Zack Martin (ankle), and Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) all sustained injuries today that kept them out of their respective games. Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Jane Slater and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tell us that none of these injuries are considered serious.
Nobody said anything about Mooney even being injured. I don’t know what game Eberflus is playing with the injuries by either saying nothing or giving misleading information. But he’s either stupid or a liar and I’m starting to believe it’s both. I think Poles should start looking around because the offensive and defensive game plans are pretty lame. Last year you could blame it on the talent but the talent is improved so you have to start looking up the ladder. If Eberflus isn’t smart enough to hire the right guys then get someone who is. The Tyson Bagent ERA can’t start soon enough. Fields holds the ball too long AND makes horrible decisions. With Bagent the ball zips out. You change over the personnel of over half the team and make the dumb decision to not play anyone in the pre season. If you were drawing up a plan of what not to do to run a football team just call Eberflus. How long before the League investigates the error filled injury reports and levels huge fines? Bet that will make old lady McCaskey happy as s**t.
I don’t think Eberflus does any of the hiring and as a HC he can only play the card hand he’s dealt which is rather weak. I think you’ll be waiting a long time for any investigation of injury reports. The Patriots were notorious for providing “faulty” reports for years but aside from occasional warnings, Goodell just let’s it slide because he has bigger fish to fry.
If a HC doesn’t choose his staff or at minimum give substantial input… Something’s wrong. He and the GM have to be on the same page with those hirings… Period
HCs definitely hire their coordinators and if they don’t, that’s a big red flag. They also have a say on FA pickups and the draft. Some coordinators are over their heads as HCs, so far Eberflus is trending that direction.
Time for the Bears to start mini-tanking. I had some hopes for Fields, but if guys don’t it by Year 3, I have few hopes that they will succeed. Same with my Raiders.