Joe Burrow has been given clearance to participate in full-contact activities after recovering from wrist surgery, and he’s set to join the Cincinnati Bengals for the start of training camp on Wednesday.
Last season, Burrow was sidelined after injuring a ligament in his right wrist during a game against Baltimore on November 16. He underwent surgery on November 27 to address the issue.
“We really need Joe to be out there,” remarked new offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. “He’s in a great place physically and mentally.”
Coach Zac Taylor is uncertain whether accommodations will be necessary for Burrow during training camp or if Burrow, or any other regular players, will participate in preseason games. However, Taylor expressed optimism about Burrow’s readiness.
“My impression of him over the last few months has been very positive, and he’s eager to get going,” Taylor added.
Burrow has experience with rehabilitation from injuries. In his rookie season in 2020, he recovered from a knee injury sustained in Week 11 against Washington just in time for the 2021 season.
Appendicitis caused him to miss all of training camp in 2022, and he strained a calf muscle on the second day of camp in 2023, although he didn’t miss any games.
Pitcher emphasized the importance of having Burrow at full strength for training camp, particularly as the Bengals adjust to changes in their offense, including a new starting running back in likely Zack Moss, a new right offensive tackle in Trent Brown, and a new third receiver following Tyler Boyd’s departure.
“Having Joe out there at full strength really impacts everyone around him,” Pitcher explained. “We feel it because we’re out there, seeing what he brings to the team. It’ll be great having him out there for the entire camp.”
