Joe Burrow’s night came to an abrupt end on Thursday due to an apparent right wrist sprain, leaving the Cincinnati Bengals anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.
Following the Bengals’ 34-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor informed reporters that Burrow sustained the sprain during the game, with no prior knowledge of any existing injury. Taylor explained, “It looks like he sprained his wrist. So, he fell on it early in the game and felt it on the touchdown pass.”
Interestingly, video footage from the Prime Video broadcast showed Burrow wearing a brace on his right hand/wrist as he entered the stadium before the game. However, he was not listed on the Bengals’ injury report for the week.
Taylor expressed unawareness of Burrow’s wrist injury before Thursday night’s game. The Bengals’ quarterback exited the Week 11 matchup in the second quarter after a 4-yard touchdown throw to Joe Mixon and was ruled out for the second half. Although Burrow returned to the sideline, he appeared without a helmet and wearing a beanie. His discomfort was evident as he bent over after the follow-through of his touchdown pass. Attempts to throw again on the sideline resulted in visible pain, leading Burrow to leave for the locker room.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning took over for Burrow, completing 8-of-14 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Prior to his departure, Burrow had gone 11 of 17 for 101 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.
Earlier in the year, Burrow faced a calf strain that sidelined him for the preseason and affected his performance early on. Despite the setback, he and the Bengals rebounded with a four-game winning streak before a Week 10 loss to the Houston Texans. Now, the team faces additional concern with Burrow’s latest ailment.