Key Takeaways:
* QB Joe Burrow returns to practice after wrist surgery which concluded his 2023 season prematurely.
* Burrow recently became the highest-paid NFL player with a 5-year, $275 million contract before the 2023 season.
* The Bengals have reinforced their offensive lineup, adding wide receiver Jermaine Burton and tight end Mike Gesicki.
Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, Joe Burrow, has joined voluntary workouts, a significant milestone in his recovery since his November 2023 wrist surgery. This recovery stage denotes an impressive contrast to his previous state at the start of the year, when Burrow was still sidelined due to his injury.
Burrow’s Post-Surgery Experience
Burrow recounted his journey during a media session on May 7. He shed light on his recovery and his effort to manage his physical form following two early season-ending injuries in his first four years in the NFL. Burrow had to sit out the final six games of his 2020 rookie season due to a severe knee injury, which was a considerable setback for the former number one pick.
The 25-year-old quarterback said that learning to push through adversity and knowing when to draw back has been a continuous daily process. His wrist constantly fluctuates between good and bad days, similar to his previous knee condition.
Burrow as the Highest-Paid Player
The expectation was bound to be exceedingly high for Burrow. He became the highest-paid NFL player with a staggering 5-year, $275 million contract before the start of the 2023 season. Despite this potential pressure, Burrow remains unfazed and focused on the path ahead. He indicated that the Bengals are not a franchise that rolls out excuses; rather they are focused on constant improvement.
Burrow further commented, “Everbody feels great in Week 1, but by Week 8, maybe you have seven starters injured. That’s the NFL. On the good years when players are healthy, you have to seize the opportunity.”
Bengals Reinforce Their Offensive Line
In an effort to support Burrow, the Bengals added new offensive weapons during the draft and via free agency. They picked up Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third-round draft. Burton is predicted to be a valuable addition to the Bengals’ array of talent, lining up behind veterans Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Cincinnati also brought in right offensive tackle Trent Brown and tight end Mike Gesicki through free agency. Both have been signed to one-year contracts and are expected to be indispensable in the forthcoming season. “Both Trent and Mike have been tremendous for us. Mike brings a big catch radius and explosive presence on the field,” Burrow noted.
Making His Mark
Burrow’s return to the field is a beacon of hope for the Cincinnati squad, particularly after crossing a disappointing season last year due to injury issues. His team will be looking to their $275 million quarterback to lead them back to their 2021 Super Bowl and 2022 AFC Championship Game form. As the highest-paid player in NFL history, Burrow is motivated by his drive for greatness, which was evident in his determined come back after major injuries.
Cincinnati is ready to make their mark in the new NFL season with a robust offensive lineup and their star QB back in action.
Source: Originally published on Heavy.com
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