Why Bengals’ Joe Burrow is thinking of his ‘football mortality’

NFL

By Matt Ehalt

Injuries are leaving their mark on Joe Burrow.

The Bengals’ superstar quarterback, who has suffered two season-ending injuries already in his young career, acknowledged the mental toll those setbacks have had on him.

“Whenever the injuries start to stack up, your football mortality kind of comes into the back of your mind,” Burrow said Tuesday, according to ESPN. “So, that’s definitely something I’ve thought about and something I have had to fight through.”

Burrow has only been in the NFL for four seasons but injuries have become a prevalent theme for the former LSU star.

His 2020 rookie season ended after 10 games when he suffered a torn ACL late in the season.

Last year, Burrow again only played 10 games when he suffered torn ligaments in his right hand. That injury factored into the Bengals missing the playoffs for the first time in three years.

The 27-year-old did not estimate what percentage his throwing hand stands at in the recovery process, but said he’ll be “ready to go by the season,” per ESPN.

He did not throw at a June 4 practice, according to the outlet.

Burrow told reporters that the injuries have forced him to change his stance regarding playing through injuries and pain, citing the right calf strain he suffered last training camp.

The Bengals and Burrow struggled out of the gate last year while he played through the discomfort, before finding their stride midseason while his health improved.

He suffered the wrist injury in a Week 11 loss to the Ravens.

“Whenever you fight through adversity and come out on the other side it definitely gives you a feeling of invincibility at times,” Burrow said, according to ESPN. “Obviously, you know that is not the case. So, it’s always a balancing act. That’s what this offseason has been about for me.”

To help ensure he’s available for the start of the season, the Bengals are giving their quarterback rest days this offseason.

“That’s something we’re being more proactive about this year,” Burrow said. “We don’t have to be ready to go in the middle of June. We have to be ready to go early September through February.

“That’s how we’re attacking this offseason and this rehab plan and these practices and training camp. We’re attacking it like I want to be out there playing in February.”

The Bengals open the season at home in Week 1 against the Patriots but there are questions about whether they will have receiver Tee Higgins on the field.

Higgins is engaged in a contract dispute that could affect his availability.

Ja’Marr Chase is also hoping for a long-term extension.

Burrow is excited for the season, despite the uncertainty with his receivers.

“I’m built for it,” Burrow said. “Our team is built for it, and people that I have surrounded myself with have been through it with me as well.

“I’m excited about the season. I’m excited about what we are going to do. I’m excited about what we have in the locker room.”