Zac Taylor: Joe Burrow will start and play this week vs. Cardinals
There won’t be any question about Joe Burrow‘s status for Cincinnati’s Week 5 matchup against Arizona. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that the quarterback will get the start Sunday.
Burrow, who suffered a calf strain in training camp, has battled the injury early in the season. He “tweaked” the calf during a Week 2 loss to the Ravens and has essentially been listed as “day-to-day” since. It hasn’t prevented him from playing, though.
It won’t again this weekend, as the Bengals try to get their second win of the season. Through four games, Cincinnati has been a bit of a disappointment, posting just a 1-3 record. The Cardinals also enter Sunday’s contest at 1-3.
The Bengals are coming off an ugly loss at the hands of Tennessee last Sunday, falling 27-3. Burrow completed 20-of-30 passes for 165 yards and was sacked three times in the defeat.
It marked the second time this season Cincinnati has been on the wrong end of a lopsided loss. The Bengals dropped a 24-3 decision to division rival Cleveland in the season opener. Burrow put up an ugly stat line in that one, throwing for just 82 yards while completing only 14-of-31 throws.
Because of Cincinnati’s lack of success through the first four weeks, many believe that Burrow’s calf is bothering him more than he’s revealing. But, clearly the quarterback and the staff think he gives the team the best chance to win on Sundays right now.
Even if they … haven’t been winning on Sundays.
Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase frustrated after another loss
Following Sunday’s loss to the Titans, Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase expressed some frustration with the 1-3 start. That’s to be expected, with Cincinnati predicted to be one of the top challengers to Kansas City in the AFC.
Asked if he feels like his “open” window is shrinking this season, Chase provided an emphatic response.
“I’m open,” Chase said. “I’m always f***ing open. Excuse my profanity, I’m sorry.”
Chase has totaled 284 yards on 29 catches this year but has yet to haul in a touchdown reception. He put up monster numbers in Cincinnati’s 19-16 win over the Rams in Week 3, hauling in 12 passes for 141 yards in the victory. But his production dipped last week, totaling seven catches for 73 yards.
The Bengals have the talent to still be a top contender in the AFC but they’re going to have to start figuring things out quickly.