Joe Burrow explains why he decided to play through calf injury vs. Rams

Whether it’s been the best decision or not, Joe Burrow has shown determination to be on the field for the Bengals this season. The superstar quarterback has battled a calf strain since training camp but has played in all three NFL games thus far, including the Monday Night Football game against the Rams.

Though it was not the best performance, Burrow helped Cincinnati get its first win of the 2023 season with a 19-16 victory over Los Angeles. He completed 26-of-49 passes for 259 yards. Burrow threw an interception with no touchdowns.

Heading into the Monday night contest, Burrow was questionable to play. Ultimately, he was given the nod. After the game, the quarterback explained what went into the decision to take the snaps.

“It was all stuff that you weigh when you’re making that decision,” Burrow said, per the team’s website. “There is the risk to go out there and potentially re-injure it, but there’s also the risk to not go out there and be 0-3. So, I wanted to be out there for my guys, and I was confident that I would be able to do what I needed to to get the win.”

Cincinnati dropped the first two games of the regular season to Cleveland and Baltimore. Getting a victory in Week 3 felt pivotal if the Bengals wanted to be considered a legitimate threat in the AFC.

Prior to this week’s game, Burrow said he “tweaked” his calf injury during the Week 2 loss to the Ravens. The quarterback says he’s still “day-to-day” but feels much better than he did a week ago.

Maybe things are starting to look up for Burrow and the Bengals. Next week, Cincinnati travels to Nashville for a showdown with the Titans.

Ja’Marr Chase has huge night for Bengals

Although Ja’Marr Chase hasn’t been the biggest fan of Burrow playing until he’s 100%, the wide receiver put up big numbers in Monday’s win over the Rams.

Chase ended the game with 12 catches for 141 yards on 15 targets. That brings his total to 22 receptions for 211 yards through three games. He has yet to catch a touchdown pass.

Through the early stages of the season, Chase has been adamant that Burrow not play until he’s at full strength. That didn’t change entering Monday’s game.

“It just shows that Joe is hard-headed,” Chase told reporters. “But he’s a football player. It takes a lot to be a quarterback and also be injured.”

“We needed to get this win. I was just being there for Joe. All I could do is try to make Joe look good.”