Joe Burrow Expecting to Play in Bengals’ Opener: ‘I’m Ready to Go’

The star quarterback cleared the air over his status for Week 1, telling reporters he’s “ready to go.”

Joe Burrow’s status for the Bengals’ season opener against the Browns on Sunday has been a point of concern for fans, as the 26-year-old has been working his way back from a calf injury he sustained earlier in the offseason.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Burrow cleared the air over his injury status, declaring that he was expecting to be ready for Week 1.

“I’m ready to go,” Burrow said, via James Rapien.

On Monday, coach Zac Taylor said the team was taking it “one day at a time” when it came to Burrow’s availability for Sunday’s game. He is expected to be a full participant at practice on Wednesday for the first time since sustaining the injury back on July 27. 

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow says he’s “ready to go” for Week 1 :: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Burrow also discussed his contract situation with reporters during his media address on Wednesday, indicating a new deal is “the last thing” on his mind.

“That’s the last thing I’m thinking about. I’m thinking about beating the Browns right now… It comes when it comes. I’m not worried about it,” said Burrow via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “This is where I want to be. This is where I want to be for my whole career. We're working towards making that happen.”

Burrow’s next contract with Cincinnati is expected to make him the NFL’s highest-paid player. He’s set to enter the fourth year of his rookie deal, and will carry a cap hit of $11.5 million in 2023.

Despite Burrow spending much of the offseason recovering from his calf injury, it seems the Bengals will have their starting quarterback on the field when Week 1 kicks off on Sunday.