After Injury Criticism, Joe Burrow Has ‘Opened Up More’ Ahead of NFL Return, Says Bengals TE Mike Gesicki

NFL has no place for weak links, and Joe Burrow has experienced that in the hardest way possible. Coming back from a torn ligament on his right wrist that sidelined the Bengals QB for most of last season, Burrow is ready to shake off the injury that’s been chasing him since last season. This will be his second major injury after tearing his ACL as a rookie in his first season back in 2020.

Although Burrow did guide Cincinnati to a major upset by defeating the Chiefs in the conference title match that season, things will be a little different this time around as Burrow will be aiming for a stronger comeback. Giving some context behind his recovery, newly signed TE Mike Gesicki sat with Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams to share a few words.

“I think he’s done a really good job. Just kinda being himself and this is really all I know but from what I have heard that he’s kinda opened up a little bit more this year. And it’s been cool to have the guys over at his house and you know do some things off the field,” Gesicki said. It looks like Burrow is trying to cope with his return by trying to focus on other activities beyond the gridiron.

The criticism hasn’t been kind, with some calling the Bengals QB “injury prone.” Chris Broussard, speaking on First Things First, pointed out Burrow’s four-year stint in the NFL, during which he missed 13 games while managing to stay healthy for two of those seasons. Burrow, being aware of the conversations, he replied, “Whenever the injuries start to stack up, your football morality kind of comes into the back of your mind. So that’s definitely something I’ve thought about and something I have had to fight through.” 

Last season, the Bengals QB was already suffering from an ankle injury that limited his availability for the first few weeks. But after a risky comeback, the Bengals offense started to catch fire with a fine victory over the NFC champion, the 49ers. However, during the week 11 match-up against the Ravens, Burrow ended up injuring his wrist while trying to throw a touchdown. Unfortunately he prematurely ended his season and sent the Bengals’ playoff hopes into oblivion. But can Burrow stage a stronger comeback this season with a point to prove after getting injury criticism left, right, and centre?

Can the Bengals count on Joe Burrow’s comeback?

After Joe Burrow got injured last season, backup QB Jake Browning kept the team afloat while players like Tee Higgins stepped up. But Bengals fans would be hoping Burrow’s comeback can introduce firepower that was missing during the latter part of last season. Rookie players like Chase Brown and Charlie Jones also developed into skilled players throughout last season.

However, the defense continues to stay open, with the Bengals’ run game recorded as the second-worst in the 2023 season. Veteran RB Joe Mixon, who rushed over 1,000 yards last season, was traded away to the Texans. Zach Moss from the Colts has joined as his replacement, but it remains to be seen whether he can touch the numbers of outgoing Mixon. Meanwhile, Higgins and Trey Hendrickson have decided to stay put this time around despite trade talks taking place.

Nonetheless, the Bengals did add veteran safety Vonn Bell, DT Sheldon Rankins, and safety Geno Stone. But those players look more temporary solutions rather than long-term investments. Although there are decent upgrades throughout the roster, the Bengals still possess Orlando Brown Jr, Ted Karras, and Alex Cappa to boost the Burrow-led offense. However, it remains to be seen whether Burrow, who is coming back from a significant injury, can help the Bengals flourish this season. Or will the toll of a second major setback be too much for Burrow to handle? As fans, we will find out soon with the new season almost here.