Bengals’ Zac Taylor Offers Cryptic Injury Update on Joe Burrow

The status of quarterback Joe Burrow has dominated headlines around the Bengals this preseason. The calf injury he suffered on July 27 set off alarm bells, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase generated discussion by repeatedly calling for Burrow to sit out Cincinnati’s opener against the Browns on Sept. 10 in order to allow his right calf to fully heal.

With the clock ticking, however, Bengals coach Zac Taylor remained relatively mum Tuesday on the status of his team’s superstar.

“We’ll see,” Taylor said when asked whether Burrow would return to practice this week.

Burrow’s backup is Jake Browning, a sixth-place Heisman finisher at Washington in 2016 who has yet to take a regular-season snap in the NFL.

“I feel really good about Jake being the No. 2,” Taylor said.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow hasn’t practiced since straining his right calf in practice on July 27.

Katie Stratman/USA TODAY Sports

Despite expressing confidence in Browning, Taylor did nothing to rule out Burrow from the season opener—denying out of hand that Burrow’s protracted absence had anything to do with his desire for a long-term contract.

“I think [Burrow] has a very healthy body,” Taylor said. “And I’m encouraged by that.”