Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed optimism and determination as he recovers from a wrist injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. At Tuesday’s team’s mandatory minicamp, Burrow opened up about the mental challenges of dealing with recurrent injuries and his readiness for the upcoming season.

Burrow, entering his fifth year with the Bengals, acknowledged the psychological toll of frequent injuries, which include a torn left ACL, strained right calf, ruptured appendix, and most recently, a torn ligament in his throwing wrist. “Whenever the injuries start to stack up, your football mortality kind of comes into the back of your mind,” Burrow told ESPN. “So, that’s definitely something I’ve thought about and something I have had to fight through.”

Despite the setbacks, Burrow remains confident in his recovery process and aims to be fully prepared for the season. “I’ll be ready to go by the season,” he assured, refraining from specifying his current recovery percentage.

Throughout the offseason, Burrow has emphasized the importance of balancing intense preparation with sufficient rest. Bengals coach Zac Taylor reinforced this approach by implementing rest days for Burrow during the offseason program. Burrow did not throw during the June 4 OTA practice, underscoring the team’s cautious strategy.

“That’s something we’re being more proactive about this year,” Burrow said. “We don’t have to be ready to go in the middle of June. We have to be ready to go early September through February. That’s how we’re attacking this offseason, rehab plan, practices, and training camp.“

Burrow reflected on his past approach to injuries, particularly citing the strained right calf injury from last training camp. He returned to play after five weeks, only to aggravate the injury in Week 2. This experience prompted Burrow to adopt a new mindset, prioritizing long-term health over short-term heroics. “Whenever you fight through adversity and come out on the other side, it definitely gives you a feeling of invincibility,“ Burrow said. “Obviously, you know that is not the case. So, it’s always a balancing act. That’s what this offseason has been about for me.”

Burrow’s leadership remains crucial as the Bengals prepare for the new season, especially with top receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase in varying stages of contract negotiations. Higgins has yet to sign his franchise tag, while Chase, present at Tuesday’s minicamp, is seeking a contract extension. Despite these uncertainties, Burrow maintains a positive outlook.

Burrows said, “Our team is built for it, and people that I have surrounded myself with have been through it with me as well. I’m excited about the season. I’m excited about what we are going to do. I’m excited about what we have in the locker room.”

With his resilient attitude and proactive recovery strategy, Burrow is poised to lead the Bengals into what he hopes will be a successful 2024 season.

The reigning National Champion and No. 1 NFL draft prospect, Joe Burrow had his measurements taken Monday morning at the NFL Combine.

Burrow had his hand measured at nine inches from pinkie to thumb. This measurement tied for the smallest hand in first-round quarterbacks that have been measured since 2008. The draft prospect went to twitter humorously handling the news.

The reigning NFL Champion and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes also commented on Burrows hand measurement with words of encouragement. “My small hands are doing alright so far… I believe in ya,” Mahomes tweeted. Mahomes’ hand was measured at nine and a quarter inches during the 2017 NFL Draft Combine.

Out of the 35 quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 2008, the average hand size measured is nine and seven-tenths inches. Over the past ten years, only three quarterbacks have attempted over 300 passes with nine inched hands. These quarterbacks are Ryan Tannehill, Jared Goff and Chad Henne. Out of these quarterbacks, none of them have had a Total Quarterback Rating over 55.

Burrow enters this week’s scouting combine as the absolute favorite to be the number one pick for this year’s draft. Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals look to have the best chance to draft the former LSU quarterback. Burrow in his senior season with the LSU Tigers led them to a National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy.

There are a few potential quarterbacks that have a chance to be drafted in the first round. Along with Burrow, there is Oregon University’s Justin Herbert and University of Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa who was a Heisman Trophy Nominee in 2018 and was in the Heisman race this year until a season-ending injury in November.