Joe Burrow’s Wednesday practice session raised a red flag for the Bengals, even if nothing has been confirmed yet.
The Cincinnati quarterback was described as “very limited” when practice opened, according to Jeremy Rauch of FOX 19 News, who said Burrow wasn’t doing much throwing and “seems off.” Rauch also reported that Burrow appeared to have some kind of brace on his throwing shoulder.
“Joe Burrow opened practice in a very limited capacity. Not really throwing.
Seems off,” Rauch reported. “Also appears to have some sort of brace on his throwing shoulder.”
Other Bengals reporters saw the same thing. Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer said Burrow did not take part in stretch and had not attempted any meaningful throws.
“Joe Burrow didn’t take part in stretch today. He also hasn’t thrown a pass of any significant purpose to any player. He’s out here doing handoffs in helmet and jersey,” Conway said.
The timing naturally invites concern, especially after Burrow took a hard hit to his throwing shoulder in the Bengals’ 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is expected to speak with the media after practice, which should provide a clearer picture of what’s going on.
There is also the Bengals’ first injury report of the week, which will be released later in the day. That should reveal whether Burrow is dealing with an issue or simply being held back for rest.
Burrow’s injury history is part of why any report like this gets attention immediately. He has only played a full 17-game season once. He missed six games in 2020, seven games in 2023, and another nine games in 2025 because of different injuries.
His list of ailments has included a torn ACL and other knee ligaments in 2020, along with wrist and toe injuries that cost him more time.
When Burrow has been out, the Bengals have felt it. That’s why his health matters so much this season. For Cincinnati, life without him has rarely gone well.
For now, the hope is that this is nothing more than a temporary issue. But after Wednesday’s practice, Burrow is firmly on injury watch.
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