The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly have a pile of evidence that should show the NFL they were not up to any funny business when it came to a developing wrist injury for star quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Bengals season is headed to a very disappointing finish following the events of their loss in Week 11. The team entered a pivotal matchup against division rivals the Baltimore Ravens with hopes they could storm their way toward the postseason after winning four of their five matchups before that game. However, in the second quarter, their hopes in 2023 seemed to be dashed.
Related: Joe Burrow injury likely to lead to NFL investigation into the Cincinnati Bengals
After throwing a touchdown pass to running back Joe Mixon, Joe Burrow was having notable discomfort in his throwing hand. He would be eventually taken to the locker room and then ruled out of the game with an apparent wrist injury soon after. Cincinnati would go on to lose the game and a media storm began soon after when a social media video revealed a brace on his hand before the game despite not being on the injury report.
Unsurprisingly, the NFL opened up an investigation into what looked like a very questionable decision by the team and if they were being honest regarding a real injury to their top player last week. While the Bengals don’t look good based on the evidence currently available, especially with Burrow needing season-ending surgery, a new report claims they have a wealth of proof they were not up to anything sinister before their loss to the Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals record (2023): 5-5
On Sunday morning, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport gave an update on the pending investigation by the league and the evidence the Cincinnati Bengals have handed over to the league to clear their name.
“Sources familiar with the organization say the Bengals have turned in hours of footage to the NFL showing that Burrow was healthy prior to the game,” Rapoport wrote. “According to those who have seen the footage, Burrow threw the ball normally during practice, without a brace, and took all of his normal reps.
“It also includes documentation from medical personnel stating Burrow’s injury was ‘acute,’ as [head coach Zac] Taylor has explained. It was not, the doctors say, an injury that happened over time, sources say.”
That seems to be far better evidence than some might have expected and maybe the brace on Burrow’s wrist might have been super precautionary and better safe than sorry for what was thought to be a mild injury that got far worse in Week 11.