Joe Burrow's gesture to Ja'Marr Chase indicates first impression of his injury

28 July 2023 , 16:36

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Joe Burrow was being treated by the Cincinnati Bengals medical staff after sustaining a calf issue during practice (Image: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has provided fresh hope over the fitness of star quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow suffered what appeared to be a calf injury during a practice session on Thursday. The quarterback was carted off the field and concerns were raised over his fitness ahead of the start of the season. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor later confirmed Burrow had indeed been suffering from a calf problem.

The quarterback was being examined by the team’s medical staff, after suffering the injury during an 11-on-11 training drill, where his teammate stopped after seeing him limping and then sitting on the ground. The Bengals, like every other NFL team, have a busy pre-season schedule with training camps and friendly games. And there will be concerns over when Burrow will be able to return to action.

Burrow has been the starting quarterback for the Bengals since his rookie season with the franchise in 2020. After winning the Heisman Trophy in his college days, the 26-year-old has gone on to be mentioned alongside the likes of Patrick Mahomes as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

As a result, there is likely to be extra concern among Bengals fans that the team’s star quarterback could be on the sidelines for any length of time. However, it seems that those fears may have been eased somewhat by one of his teammates. Chase was the No.5 overall pick for the Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been a key figure, alongside Burrow, in the team’s offense. And wide receiver has explained why he is not too worried about the fitness of his quarterback teammate.

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Joe Burrow suffered a calf injury during practice for the Cincinnati Bengals (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

“We always give each other that nod,” Chase told the . “He gave me a nod [to say] he’s all right. He’s a strong dude. I wasn’t really worried. I believe he’s all right.” The Bengals have yet to confirm the severity of the injury sustained by Burrow. As a result, there has been speculation about the potential amount of time the quarterback could end up spending on the sidelines.

The Bengals will be involved in three pre-season friendly games against the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and the Washington Commanders in August as they build up to the Week One opener against AFC North divisional rivals the Cleveland Browns on September 10.

Mark Wakefield