Former NFL doctor weighs in on Joe Burrow's lingering calf injury

It didn’t take a doctor to notice something wasn’t right with Joe Burrow on Sunday. Nonetheless, former NFL doctor David J. Chao. provided his expertise on the situation.

“Calf muscle injuries typically happen at the medial gastroc. This is not an Achilles [tendon injury]. He’s not at risk for Achilles,” Chao told Sports Injury Central. “He did rush the ball one time for five yards today which is more than before.”

Despite picking up a record-shattering NFL contract this offseason, Burrow hasn’t lived up to expectations. In two games, the former LSU standout has recorded a mere 304 passing yards for two touchdowns while throwing an interception.

While Burrow has struggled in the air, he’s been non-existent in the ground game. The 6-foot-4 QB has just two carries this season for four yards. Burrow’s lack of rushing has led to suspicion surrounding a preseason injury.

Joe Burrow still dealing with preseason injury

In late July, Burrow suffered a strained calf during preseason training camp. He was carted off the field and missed the rest of fall camp. Burrow also did not participate in any preseason games for the Bengals. After Cincinnati’s 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Burrow claimed he re-aggravated the injury.

If Burrow continues on his current path, Chao believes this pattern will follow a concerning trajectory.

“The bottom line is this: this is something that is lingering and will linger on and it remains to be seen if the Bengals decide to play the long game and sit Joe Burrow or try and make it through with some sort of AFO assist, active tape-type job or dynamic-type splint to help him through this calf strain. But this is the downside. Calf injuries clearly linger. It’s re-aggravated now. It’s probably going to borrow bother Joe Burrow into October.”

A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter aligns with Chao’s conclusion.

“Bengals’ HC Zac Taylor told reporters that it was hard to say whether Joe Burrow would be ready to play next Monday night vs. the Rams due to his aggravated calf injury,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter. “The Bengals still are in the evaluation process.”

Bounce back potential

Sitting at 0-2, with both losses against divisional opponents, the Bengals don’t have much time to evaluate. They must flip the switch now. Nevertheless, the season is far from over.

Cincinnati also lost its first two games last season. Yet, the team ultimately finished with a 12-4 regular season record and advanced to the AFC Championship. Now, the Bengals aim to begin their bounce back. The Bengals will take on the Los Angeles Rams at 8:15 ET on Monday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.