Joe Burrow reveals status for Week 18 at Browns
Joe Burrow has evolved into one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL in 2021. With little on the line in Week 18 after clinching the AFC North last weekend, many wondered if the Bengals would opt to rest Burrow in Week 18.
Evidently, that’s exactly the plan. Burrow told reporters that he won’t play on Sunday as Cincinnati travels to face the Cleveland Browns in their final game of the regular season.
“Bengals QB Joe Burrow tells reporters that he will not play Sunday to rest up for the playoffs,” tweeted NFL insider Ian Rapoport. “Expect several key Cincy players to be in similar situations.”
As you can see, the Bengals aren’t keen on the possibility that Burrow can suffer an injury in a meaningless game. While it’s always fun to defeat your in-state rival, the reality is Cincinnati has the playoffs to look forward to. It’s much more important to ensure the former LSU star’s availabilty.
Additionally, the Bengals have been dealing with COVID troubles as well. Prior to Burrow announcing he won’t be on the field in Week 18, it was revealed that running back Joe Mixon tested positive for COVID-19. Now, Mixon will miss the final game of the regular season for Cincinnati.
In addition to Mixon, the Bengals announced that stars like safety Vonn Bell and defensive end Trey Hendrickson also tested positive. Luckily, Cincinnati doesn’t have to worry about winning this weekend without their best players.
Joe Burrow won’t be on the field in Week 18. Now, the star of the Cincinnati Bengals will prepare on attempting to win the franchise’s first playoff game since 1990.
More on Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
In just his second season with the Bengals, Joe Burrow has returned Cincinnati to the playoffs. The former LSU star and first overall selection has become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in the process.
Over the course of the season, Burrow has played at an MVP level. In leading the Bengals to a division title, Burrow accumulated 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns throwing the football. Additionally, he’s added 118 yards and two touchdowns with his legs.
Moreover, the quality of the victories the Bengals have accumulated is nothing to scoff at. Cincinnati brought out the brooms against their most vaunted rivals — sweeping the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Additionally, Burrow out-dueled the league’s premier signal-caller — defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes to clinch the division. It was the biggest win in years for the Bengals.
The future is bright in Cincinnati. Heck, the future is now.