Joe Burrow’s Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came with a price tag that showed up in practice.
The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback helped steer a 33-27 victory on Sunday, finishing 25 of 35 for 254 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also chipped in 20 rushing yards on five carries, highlighted by a 12-yard run after an audibled quarterback draw. Burrow was especially sharp getting the ball out quickly, which helped Cincinnati deal with Tampa Bay’s pass rush.
But the game also featured two hits that raised eyebrows.
Late in the second quarter, Burrow took off up the middle for a 12-yard gain and slid as he went to the ground. Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith came in hard on the play, drawing an unnecessary roughness flag from the officials.
Earlier in the first half, Burrow ran for a first down toward the sideline and was hit hard by Buccaneers linebacker Alex Anzalone as he stepped out of bounds. The contact appeared to land on Burrow’s throwing shoulder, and he got up slowly, put his hands on his hips, and made his way back to the huddle gingerly.
After the game, head coach Zac Taylor praised Burrow’s willingness to take on that kind of work, saying they want a leader who is “willing to use his legs to get us everything we can.”
By Wednesday’s practice, though, the wear and tear was obvious. Burrow missed the team’s opening stretch and did not attempt any meaningful throws. He was seen rubbing his throwing shoulder and looked to be wearing extra protective padding under his jersey.
Burrow told reporters he is dealing with post-game back tightness. He said the soreness didn’t really hit until after the game, which he described as normal for deep bruises.
Even with that discomfort, Burrow dismissed any suggestion he might sit out Week 2 against the Houston Texans, calling a precautionary benching “ridiculous.”
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