The Pittsburgh Steelers learned during the 2022 season how challenging it can be for a team to deal with an injury to their young starting quarterback. Kenny Pickett dealt with concussions that made him miss time in 2022, and they have taken strides in 2023 to address both depth and protection. For the Cincinnati Bengals, they are trying to decide how to handle the ill-timed injury to their star quarterback, Joe Burrow. The team doesn't want to rush him back, but according to the Bengals' Pro Bowl receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, Burrow shouldn't be playing when Week 1 arrives.
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Steelers rival Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is carted off with calf injury
Steelers Waiting To See What Cincinnati Decides
Burrow kicked off the Bengals' 2023 training camp by rolling out during a play and then he suddenly came up hobbled. The result was a calf strain that, according to the initial reports, would keep the signal-caller out for most of training camp. However, the team was hopeful to have their starter back for the first regular season game.
While that is the best-case scenario for Cincinnati, Chase doesn't see eye to eye with his team on the matter. Chase has dealt with his own injury issues in his short, but impressive career, so he is speaking from experience when he gives advice to his quarterback. The receiver didn't mince words when he spoke with Inside Training Camp on Friday to go over the Bengals' training camp.
"I told him that with all honesty I don't want him there."
It isn't that Chase wants to go into an NFL season without his quarterback ready to go with the rest of the team; he just knows the danger of rushing an injury. A hip injury during the 2022 season kept Chase out of several games, but during his physical rehab, he realized that he needed to listen to his body. The team had him slated to return for a 2022 Week 12 matchup with the Tennessee Titans, but Chase knew that was not the wise move.
After speaking with Zac Taylor, the Bengals' head coach, Chase held himself out until he could be sure that when he was back on the field. He wanted to be at 100% or as close as an NFL season allows.
"I told Zac; I told him I didn't feel too comfortable yet. I wanted to give myself another week of preparation for the next game if I had a chance to. I didn't want to come back. I didn't know if that was too early, too fast..."
Chase was right about his 2022 injury, and he didn't end up playing in that Week 12 game against Tennessee. The next week, feeling more confident in himself and his healed hip, Chase played in Week 13 when his Bengals took on the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught seven passes for 97 yards on the way to a Bengals victory. It seems that Chase knew what he was talking about.
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Steelers rival Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase pulls in a pass
What Impact Can Steelers Expect From Burrow's Injury
The Steelers won't see a direct impact from the injury to Burrow, at least not immediately. Pittsburgh doesn't play the Cincinnati until Week 11, but that doesn't mean there will be no fallout.
The AFC North is one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, and regardless of the records, when these teams play each other, it's always a brutal affair. Every season, it becomes a sort of sibling rivalry to see who the older brother of the division will be, and the Bengals start 2023 off with two straight meetings against AFC North teams.
The Bengals begin their 2023 campaign with a visit to the Cleveland Browns, followed by hosting the Baltimore Ravens. With a healthy Burrow, those two games are matchups that the Bengals feel confident about winning, but that may not be the case. Chase knows the importance of starting the 2023 season strong, especially when the games are personal. The injury journey taken by Chase in 2022 gave the young player a unique perspective on this matter.
Chris Roling
Steelers rival Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow
Many players dealing with injuries only focus on being back on the field without considering the level of ability they will have once they return. By having patience and considering all of the angles, Chase was able to avoid turning a one-time injury into a lingering one. What the receiver doesn't want to see is his quarterback still struggling with calf issues at the halfway point of the 2023 season. How much sway does Chase's word hold in Cincinnati?
The bond between Burrow and Chase has been undeniable since the moment they began playing together at Louisiana State University, but is that enough to make the franchise adjust its strategy? It could be the difference between a 2023 divisional title and wishing they would have thought ahead and listened to Chase. Whatever happens, you can be sure that the Steelers will be watching the entire time.
How long will Burrow be out in 2023 from his injury?
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