Whether Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow plays in Week 3 and beyond is one of the most polarizing topics available in NFL circles right now.
For some, it makes sense for Burrow to get out there and test out the injured calf or simply tough it out until the Bengals don’t have something to play for this season.
Buy Bengals TicketsBut for others, the conservation includes whether or not it’s worth the risk to his long-term health after the 0-2 start.
There’s no easy answer, which is part of why the Bengals have taken a “day to day” approach and all Burrow can offer is a “we’ll see” when asked.
Here’s a sampling of some of the debate that has been raging online this week as the Bengals head for a Monday night game against the Rams.
Joe Burrow could’ve walked on the sidewalk like everyone else..
But he chose to walk up the hill, calf strain and all. Gotta love Joe!😭
pic.twitter.com/eCT3ZbC5C7— Chaston Scott (@CinCity808) September 22, 2023
JOE BURROW IN FULL PADS 😈
He's playing. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/MQ7NzRT97U
— Faux Joey Brrr (@FauxJeaux) September 22, 2023
It’s great to see Joe Burrow drop back & plant/push off with his right calf to throw.
This doesn’t tell us if he’s ready to play yet. Scrambling, running, rapid step up in the pocket matter far more for how his calf will respond to play.
My guess: Out
pic.twitter.com/oikih6LVw4— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 22, 2023
I know people are wanting Joe Burrow to sit for a couple weeks. I think the Bengals let Joe make that decision. If he feels good enough to play, I think he plays next Monday. I’m not saying I agree or disagree with that. The guy is strong-minded and tough. #Bengals
— GameOn513 (@gameonjmoney) September 18, 2023
Sit Joe Burrow. Let him get healthy.
— Kyle Smith (@Kyle_Smith1087) September 17, 2023
People don’t seem to get it…if Joe Burrow sits for four weeks, our season is over. He might as well just sit all year if that’s the approach the Bengals want to take. At best, Browning goes 2-4 in that stretch and that’s wishful thinking.
— Elly De La Cruise ship (@EllyDeLaCruise) September 22, 2023
Earlier today, I felt good about Joe Burrow playing Monday night. All signs seemed to point toward to him giving it a go until the mysterious golf cart ride with owner Mike Brown at practice. Now I’d guess he’s gonna sit this one. #WhoDey
— Ben Haney (@ReignmakerRadio) September 23, 2023
time to sit Joe Burrow until he's 100 %. a fully healthy Jake Browning is better than a 40 % Burrow. Give Jake a full week to prepare, and if the coaches are any good, build a scheme for his strengths, but that would require Taylor to call plays that actually make sense.
— Josh Salyers (@wildincinci) September 19, 2023
Wouldn't be surprised if he served as the emergency Qb
— JKW3 (@jkw3tx) September 22, 2023
yeah, he isn't playing …
— Ja'Marr's GTA RP stream (@Ayowhatupz) September 22, 2023
Seems like he’s trying to and wants to practice and they’re not letting him
— Tyler Smith (@tsmith0930) September 21, 2023
If I had to guess.
How are you feeling? Don’t go if you feel like you can’t. You are more important than 1 game.
— BengalsDad (@bhoskins79) September 22, 2023
You have to wonder if he said, "Look, Joe. We made a lifetime investment in you as an asset for this franchise, and we have to protect our investments. That means you're probably going to have to sit out Monday."
— A boy and his robots (@RobotRabbitHole) September 22, 2023
JoeyB taking the hill is his way of saying he will be taking the mound on Monday
— The Ohio Legacy (@TheOhioLegacy) September 22, 2023
Sit it out – it's a long season and we need him to once again win the AFC North. Whodey.
— CJ (@cj_ohio) September 22, 2023
Joe Burrow will play Monday
— 2legitsports (@2legitsports) September 22, 2023
He needs to sit. We can win other ways. Joe Mix & Jake can cook
— Jaspee127 (@jaspee127) September 21, 2023
