The Ringer NFL Show Bengals to Blame for Joe Burrow’s Injury Woes? It’s Complicated, With Ben Baby
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Sep 16, 2025 In this discussion, Ben Baby, who covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN, unpacks the timeline of Joe Burrow's injuries and whether the team is to blame. They dive into Burrow's aggressive play style and ponder if he's injury-prone. With Burrow sidelined, Baby evaluates the readiness of backup quarterback Jake Browning to lead the team. The talk also touches on the balance between explosive offense and player safety, along with insights about the struggling Texans' offense. The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking for NFL fans.
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Turf Toe Timeline And Coaching Caution
- Turf toe requires surgery and a multi-month recovery, and the Bengals expect about three months for Joe Burrow to heal.
- Zach Taylor resists giving firm timelines after past experiences with players not returning when predicted.
Pass-Heavy Identity Has Trade-Offs
- The Bengals intentionally run a pass-heavy scheme because it maximizes Joe Burrow's strengths and helped them reach the Super Bowl.
- That style naturally increases pass-blocking demands and exposes quarterbacks to more backward-contact situations.
Investment, Not Neglect, On The Line
- The Bengals have invested in the offensive line recently, signing Orlando Brown and drafting tackles, but interior guard play remains a question.
- Budget choices reflect trade-offs across roster needs rather than pure neglect of Burrow's protection.
