Latest On Joe Burrow’s Bengals OTAs Participation

The Bengals’ 2024 season was dealt a major blow when Joe Burrow was shut down due to a torn wrist ligament. His latest ailment threated to cause missed time in the offseason, but that has not turned out to be the case.

Burrow resumed throwing in the early portion of Cincinnati’s offseason program. Unlike most teams, the Bengals have yet to start OTAs. When they begin tomorrow, however, Burrow will be participating. In terms of workload in any one session, there will notably be no restrictions.

“We designed the whole thing to stay within the constraints of where the medical people think he should be and where he wants to be right now,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said (via the team’s website). “Nobody is sitting there with a special pitch counter. But we’ve been smart how we put it together.”

It would come as no surprise if the team took a cautious approach with Burrow this summer, and Pitcher’s comments confirm his rehab is being taken under consideration regarding his workout schedule. The Pro Bowler has dealt with injuries on a regular basis during training camp, rehabbing his ACL tear in 2021, undergoing an appendectomy the following year and dealing with a calf strain in 2023. A fully health training camp would certainly be welcomed by both team and player this time around.

The Bengals’ offense will have a number of new faces in 2024, with Pitcher replacing Brian Callahan as OC (although head coach Zac Taylor will retain play-calling duties). Longtime running back Joe Mixon is no longer in the fold, nor is veteran receiver Tyler Boyd. Expectations will nevertheless remain high for Burrow if he manages to put together a healthy campaign. Cincinnati managed a 9-8 finish last year despite Burrow missing seven contests.

That mark was insufficient for a playoff berth, but a return to the playoffs will not be out of the question if Burrow can regain his previous form in 2024. The 2021 Comeback Player of the Year’s health status will remain worth watching closely as the summer unfolds, but he will be taking starter’s reps at OTAs in a positive sign for his long-term outlook.