Sports doctor explains why Bengals QB Joe Burrow's calf strain isn't too severe
It's been nearly one week since Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a calf strain during the team's second training camp practice. It's been only a handful of days since head coach Zac Taylor proclaimed Burrow will be out for "several weeks." That's about all we've been given in terms of information regarding the severity […]
It's been nearly one week since Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a calf strain during the team's second training camp practice. It's been only a handful of days since head coach Zac Taylor proclaimed Burrow will be out for "several weeks."
That's about all we've been given in terms of information regarding the severity of Burrow's injury. The fourth-year quarterback has also been seen walking in the team locker room without a boot or noticeable limp.
While this wasn't groundbreaking news, it is better than you may think.
Calf strains are group into three different levels, with a Grade 1 being the on the mild side, Grade 2 being slightly more severe, and Grade 3 being the most severe.
Burrow's exact level of strain hasn't been disclosed, but Deepak Chona, MD. of Sports Med Analytics believes it to be just a Grade 1 sprain. Chona cites Burrow's walking without a limp or boot a positive considering a boot is customary one week following a Grade 2 strain.
Chona also stated that a quarterback has a low chance of recurrence risk with a calf strain.
Considering Burrow hasn't spoken publicly about the injury yet, no one knows for sure how severe the injury is. His pain tolerance and recovery speed are definitely at a high level after overcoming several ailments in his career thus far. Appearing normal so soon after going down last week might be an anomaly.
But like Chona analyzed, it's definitely a better sign than the alternative.
In all likelihood, Burrow is dealing with a Grade 1 sprain and still needs a few weeks before returning to practice. The Bengals have just over five weeks until the regular season begins, giving them plenty of time to ease their franchise passer back into the swing of things.
Bengals send funny message to fans after Joe Burrow’s injury
The Cincinnati Bengals sent a funny message to fans after quarterback Joe Burrow’s calf injury
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar/The Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY Sports
