Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams inactives for Monday Night Football

by:Nick Geddes•09/25/23•

NickGeddesNews

Will Joe Burrow play in Week 3, or will he not? The question has been asked ever since the Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) quarterback re-tweaked his calf in the 27-24 Week 2 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens (2-1).

After a week of speculation, we officially have our answer. Burrow will indeed suit up and play in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams (1-1) on “Monday Night Football.” Burrow wasn’t listed on the inactives list released ahead of kickoff, meaning Cincinnati will be at full strength against Los Angeles, looking to avoid an 0-3 start.

The 26-year-old didn’t practice Thursday, with head coach Zac Taylor calling him “day-to-day.” He did, however, practice in limited fashion Friday. Taylor provided an update hours ahead of kickoff, giving the good ol’ non-update update.

“We aren’t ready to reveal a decision just yet and will wait a couple more hours before we make a call,” Taylor said, via Laura Rutledge of ESPN.

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Burrow, who suffered a calf strain during training camp, said he “tweaked” something in the game against the Ravens. He completed 27-of-41 passes for 222 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. Cincinnati also suffered a 24-3 defeat to the Cleveland Browns (2-1) in Week 1.

Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase said Friday he didn’t want Burrow to play until he’s fully recovered from his calf injury. Chase added he didn’t believe Burrow was 100%, and if he had to guess, wouldn’t suit up Monday. Nonetheless, Burrow will look to turn the Bengals’ season around against the Rams in a Super Bowl LVI rematch.