Zac Taylor Discusses Joe Burrow’s Status Ahead of Sunday’s Game
CINCINNATI – If you were hoping for clarity on who will start at quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, you didn’t get much from head coach Zac Taylor today. After practice, Taylor remained tight-lipped about Joe Burrow’s status, offering little in terms of definitive answers.
Burrow, who was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, was limited today, though Taylor explained that this was due to Burrow splitting reps with Joe Flacco in case the Bengals need Flacco to start his sixth consecutive game. Burrow also didn’t participate in the team stretch, but Taylor clarified that Burrow had already completed most of his work in a pre-practice walkthrough.
It seems that Taylor is intentionally keeping things unclear to avoid giving away too much to the New England Patriots.
Here are the key takeaways from Taylor’s comments:
Q: Who will start at quarterback on Sunday?
A: “Joe has done everything he can to get back. We’ll keep taking our time with this. No decision has been made yet, and I feel comfortable waiting as long as we can.”
Q: So you don’t think he’s ready yet?
A: “I need to make the decision. We’ll evaluate everything after this week’s practices. Joe has done everything possible to put himself in a good position, but I still have to make the call.”
Q: Is it just your decision now, or is it still up to the doctors?
A: “We’re still in discussions with the doctors. Joe has done everything he can physically, and we’re in a good spot. Now we just need to make the decision, considering factors like Sunday’s game and Thursday’s game after that.”
Q: Would you consider activating Burrow even if he’s not playing Sunday?
A: “Everything is on the table.”
Q: How do you protect Burrow from pushing himself too much?
A: “It’s really important for me to consider what’s best for him. He’s coming off an injury, and while he’s done everything physically, I also have to factor in what’s best for him and the team before making a decision.”
Q: Will there be any restrictions on him when he returns?
A: “There will be some limitations. The goal is to put him in when he’s fully ready to handle a full game. We’ll see what happens in the game and adjust as needed.”
Q: How does this injury compare to his return from appendectomy in 2022?
A: “It’s different this time. He had a full training camp and two games before this injury, and he’s been throwing recently. In 2022, he didn’t throw until the day before the Pittsburgh game.”
Q: How does the short turnaround for Thursday’s game factor into the decision?
A: “It’s a factor. Two games in five days is part of the equation.”
Q: What have your conversations with Burrow been like?
A: “We’ve had open, honest conversations. We talk about the pros and cons of the situation, and he’s been great about communicating. We’re on the same page.”
Q: What’s the benefit of playing Burrow if the playoffs are out of reach?
A: “Winning is still important. Joe gives us the best chance to win, and for him, playing football is what he wants to do.”
It appears that Burrow’s return is possible for this week’s game against the New England Patriots, with everything trending positively. Burrow has been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering a toe injury that required surgery, and his absence has significantly impacted the Bengals’ playoff hopes. However, star wide receiver Tee Higgins is excited about the potential of catching passes from Burrow again if he plays this weekend.
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