Why isn’t Joe Burrow playing for the Bengals against the Chiefs?
With the Cincinnati Bengals still with a chance to make the playoffs, the loss of their talismanic quarterback has been a hammer blow.
Just over six weeks ago, the Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 34-20 on Thursday, Nov. 16. Even more unnerving for the franchise was the exit of Joe Burrow from the game with a wrist injury and just one day later the announcement by head coach Zac Taylor that Joey Franchise would be out for the season.
The Bengals released a report detailing the exact nature of his injury and more importantly a timescale for his return.
Burrow underwent surgery to repair a tear in the scapholunate ligament on his right wrist. The surgery reportedly took place in Pennsylvania and was undertaken by Dr. Thomas Graham.
Joe Burrow's surgery to repair the tear in the scapholunate ligament in his right wrist was successful, per reports.
— WINCINNATI (@WINCINNATI_) December 21, 2023
Timeline to return is 4-6 months. 💪 #Bengals pic.twitter.com/0BeWGIr6xC
Graham is a world-renowned hand surgeon and has a sterling reputation, having operated on Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson’s thumb, NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook, and MLB stars Bryce Harper, David Hamilton, Sonny Gray, and Jose Ramirez amongst others.
The timescale for recovery is four to six months, with Burrow scheduled to stay out of pads until the beginning of training camp in July of 2024. But if we know Joey B, he will be pushing that timetable. He managed to come back from an ACL surgery in double quick time. Such a competitor is Burrow that he may push those dates a teeny bit.
But don’t get too excited. There is no way that he can come back this season, no matter how hard he pushes.