Joe Burrow is expected to practice in full, on track to start Week 1

You’ll likely see Joe Burrow in the starting lineup for the Bengals season opener against the Browns. That’s because the star quarterback is clear to practice today with no restrictions.

After practice, Burrow told reporters that “I’m ready to go. I’m expecting to play.”

Bengals QB Joe Burrow: "I'm ready to go. I'm expecting to play." https://t.co/t0kQk7Je0M

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 6, 2023

Earlier Wednesday, Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor announced the news about Burrow, who is headed into his fourth season with the Bengals. Burrow strained his calf during the opening week of training camp back in July. He’s been able to go through some light practices since all NFL teams broke training camp and started prepping for the regular season.

Bengals’ HC Zac Taylor said Joe Burrow is expected to practice in full today. This puts him on track to start Sunday’s game vs. the Browns.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2023

The Bengals officially will update the quarterback’s status later this afternoon as teams provide an injury report to the NFL. On Monday, Taylor said Burrow’s status was “day to day.” So the coach’s language Wednesday definitely is more optimistic. And Burrow says he’ll play.

Reporters who were on scene started posting video clips of Burrow’s warming up in some pre-practice exercise.

Joe Burrow with a little band work, getting loose before practice. He’s expected to be a “full participant” today ahead of Sunday’s game against the Browns pic.twitter.com/77tR5E2Lwp

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) September 6, 2023

Joe Burrow practicing also is a good sign that sides are close to a new contract. After the Chargers signed Justin Herbert to the most lucrative contract in league history, the Bengals were expected to break the money record with Burrow. However, Burrow strained his right calf and the negotiations slowed. Or, the information leaks were shut down.

Weird stat: Joe Burrow struggles in games against Browns

Burrow probably wants to play Sunday because he feels he has something to prove against the Browns. Although Burrow appears to be the best quarterback in the NFL this side of Patrick Mahomes, he has a miserable record against Cleveland. He’s 1-4 in his starts against the Browns. He did win the last time the two teams played. But Myles Garrett, Cleveland’s ace pass rusher, sacked Burrow three times last season.

If Burrow can’t go, the Bengals have two other quarterbacks on the roster. Jake Browning survived a quarterback competition with Trevor Siemian for the right to back up Burrow. Then Taylor signed Will Grier, who the Cowboys released after trading for Trey Lance. Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said he was hoping to resign Grier to the team’s practice squad.