Ja'Marr Chase expresses surprise Joe Burrow returned to practice

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice Wednesday, one month removed from suffering a right calf strain at the beginning of training camp.

His return to the practice field, ahead of Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 10, came as a surprise to his top target and former LSU teammate, Ja’Marr Chase. Chase said Wednesday he had no idea Burrow would be back until he saw him putting his uniform and helmet on.

Ja’Marr on when he found out Burrow was returning to practice: pic.twitter.com/hxQUxRmV2b

— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) August 30, 2023

“I found out when I got on the field,” Chase said, via Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network. “As a matter of fact, I found out when I watched him put his gear on. I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ And I’d seen him in walk-throughs today, too, so that was another thing. I didn’t think he was practicing.”

A presumably healthy Burrow is exactly the sight Bengals fans — and Chase — have been awaiting. The two have successfully carried over their connection from college to the NFL, putting up elite numbers in two seasons together in Cincinnati. Chase, the Bengals’ fifth overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, has suited up in 29 games, hauling in 168 receptions for 2,501 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Chase, who had last caught passes from Burrow on July 27, said the 26-year-old signal-caller looked good from his vantage point.

“Not much movement, we’ll see,” Chase said, per the team’s website. “No hobble from what I see. He looks good. He doesn’t look like he’s having problems moving or anything. That’s a good sign. They’re slowly working him in. See how he feels. He knows how to stay positive. He’s still coaching everyone on the side. That’s the biggest thing about him. His role as a leader.”

Joe Burrow looking to continue ascent as one of NFL’s best

Burrow originally went down with a non-contact injury while scrambling to his right during a play in practice. He was carted off the field, making it the third consecutive summer his time in training camp has been halted due to a medical issue. Burrow, the 2020 first overall pick, entered training camp the following season recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Heading into 2022, he suffered a ruptured appendix which required surgery.

Burrow, fresh off leading the Bengals to Super LVI, recorded the first Pro Bowl season of his career this past season. He threw for 4,475 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 68.3% passing. He added 257 yards and five scores on the ground.

With Burrow sidelined for another preseason the backups had the show to themselves. The two that were in contention for the backup job: Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning. After a zero-touchdown preseason by Siemian, the Bengals waived him, making Browning the QB2. The Bengals then signed Will Grier to their practice squad following his release from the Dallas Cowboys Tuesday.