The Cincinnati Bengals were in full compliance with NFL injury report rules related to quarterback Joe Burrow’s status ahead of the team’s Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple reports Saturday.
The NFL had conducted a weeks-long investigation into the timing and reporting of Burrow’s injury.
Burrow was knocked out of a Nov. 16 loss to the Ravens with what appeared to be a non-contact injury to his wrist. In the second quarter of the 34-20 loss, Burrow threw a touchdown then immediately grabbed his right arm near the wrist. He went to the medical tent and attempted several throws on the sideline before ultimately being ruled out.
A video posted the night before by the Bengals on social media — and later deleted — showed Burrow getting off the team bus with a protective wrap on his right hand. Burrow later told reporters the wrap was a compression sleeve to help prevent swelling during flights and unrelated to the injury suffered in the Nov. 16 game.
The NFL reportedly reviewed practice footage and medical records as part of the investigation, as well as interviewing medical personnel, according to CBS Sports.
Potential punishments for these types of violations would have included hefty team fines or even lost draft picks.
Burrow was found to have a torn ligament in his right wrist that required season-ending surgery on Nov. 27.
Prior to the injury, Burrow’s 91.0 rating was his lowest passer rating since his rookie year in 2020. He completed 244 of 365 passes (66.8 percent) for 2,309 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions this season.
–Field Level Media