Just two days ago the top storylines surrounding Joe Burrow involved his pending contract extension, decision to pass on the “Quarterback” documentary and why he thought playing a few series in the preseason would prove “beneficial.”
With one rollout to the right on Thursday, the previous reality disappeared into the steamy Cincinnati summer.
Head coach Zac Taylor termed Burrow’s expected absence with a right calf strain as “several weeks” on Friday.
See you in September, Mr. Burrow. A new reality exists for the Bengals now — one all too familiar for Burrow, the NFL’s reigning king of August adversity. One all too nerve-wracking for those who know this injury well.
From the moment he hobbled and fell to the ground, everyone here held their collective breath. Did the diagnosis of a calf strain for Burrow bring a sigh of relief?
“Sure,” Taylor said, almost dismissing the emotion. “There’s a lot of bad scenarios out there.”
This wasn’t a rupture. This didn’t require surgery. This wasn’t the Achilles tendon. This doesn’t carry with it the deep-rooted depression induced by the phrase “season-ending.”
So, is this a relief? Sure.
Is this simple? Not in the least.
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