The Cincinnati ͏Bengals’ star ͏quarterback, Joe Burrow is once again the talk ͏of͏ the NFL, but͏ this time ͏for all the͏ right reasons. Kelsey C͏o͏n͏way, a Bengals’ insider, recently gave some ͏ ͏updates on Burrow, on the G͏ojoandG͏olic podcast with host Mike Gol͏ic.

After a wrist injury ended his season͏ early, the Bengals’ No. 9 is now ͏a top contender ͏for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award. Conway revealed ͏that the 27-year-old has taken significant steps to ͏bolster h͏is͏ durability, addressing concerns about ͏his ability ͏to stay healthy. “He gained ten pounds of muscle this offseason, made changes to his diet, and is looking stronger and bigger than ever,” Conway noted. This mature approach to his physical health could be a game-changer for Burrow. To this, the insider said,” So I think it’s more of a matter of him just learning and maturing in that way as opposed to anything wrong with him not being a certain size that he needs to be.” Burrow’s focus on nutrition and his cautious approach to minor injuries—show a new level of maturity in his game.

As for the CPOY race, Burrow is right up there among the top contenders. The odds are in his favor. Now if he can replicate his 2022 form, where he nearly threw for 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns, he’ll be hard to beat. The Bengals are also in a prime position to make another deep playoff run, which could further strengthen his case for the award.

However, standing in Burrow’s way is Aaron Rodgers, the current favorite for CPOY. Coming back from an Achilles injury at the age of40, Rodgers has a compelling narrative that could sway voters. Still, if the Bengals’ QB continues on h͏is current trajectory, he might͏ just pull off another CPOY͏ win͏.

With the 27-year-old’s offseason transformation making headlines, it’s clear he’s not just aiming for just a comeback but also dominate. But let’s not forget the challenges he’s faced. From a season-ending wrist injury to a remarkable recovery, Burrow’s return highlights his resilience and determination.

Joe Burrow expected to shine after season-ending injury

The Bengals’ quarterback, had his 2023 season cut short after suffering a torn ligament in his throwing wrist during a November 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens. An MRI the next morning confirmed the injury, which struck during Burrow’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Joe Mixon. Though Burrow wasn’t listed on the injury report prior to the game, he visibly struggled with pain before being ruled out at halftime.

Fast forward to May, this year, the 27-year-old is back on the practice field, throwing passes with impressive precision just under six months of his injury. The Bengals couldn’t hide their excitement, sharing videos of Burrow’s return with the caption, “HE IS SO BACK.” His teammates have been equally optimistic, with wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter II noting Burrow’s competitive fire, saying, “He wants to kill whoever’s in front of him, just like every athlete should.” During a joint practice with the Colts, Burrow showed off his old form. He stepped up in the pocket and delivered accurate throws, a sight that had the whole team buzzing.

Head coach Zac Taylor was thrilled with Burrow’s progress, especially after seeing his performance against another squad. “I thought the Colts practice was one of his best practices of the year,” Taylor said, comparing it to some of Burrow’s best games from the previous season. The team kept Burrow out of preseason action thinking of his health. Despite that, h͏is presence at practice was more than͏ enough to boost ͏the Bengal’s’ confidence.

With his recent setbacks, ͏Burrow remains a Tier ͏1 quarterback, second͏ only to Patrick Mahomes in rankings. A͏͏s the Bengals prepare ͏for the season, all eyes are on Burrow to lead them͏ back to contention.