According to information provided by the Bengals, Burrow was not treated before practice and did not miss any time preparing for the game against the Ravens, sources said.
The NFL declined to comment on its investigation.
Burrow told reporters on Nov. 17 that he was wearing a compression sleeve intended to reduce swelling on flights and that it had nothing to do with a wrist that had not been previously injured.
“This is something completely different,” Burrow said.
Meanwhile, Jake Browning will make his first start in his NFL career today against Pittsburgh, and the Bengals’ coaches plan to use the exact same offense with the exact same play selection as they did with Burrow under center. Browning has the full trust of his coaches, and while Cincinnati might do a little more to support Browning, he has the complete game plan.
Taylor told reporters last week that Browning’s skills “allowed me to call out everything that was on the menu and not downplay it because a new guy comes in.”
Browning, 27, is not young but is inexperienced, having only played two games in his career. He beat out Trevor Siemian in training camp to earn the backup job, thanks in part to his preseason work.
Browning eventually began working with Burrow’s QB guru Jordan Palmer, an advisor who coached Burrow for years after he was stuck on the Vikings and Bengals’ practice squads since 2019.
Much like Burrow’s speed increased after working with Palmer following ACL surgery – thanks in part to learning to be more efficient with his movements – Browning also benefited.
Browning mimicked Burrow’s moves while working with Palmer, learning to work efficiently in the pocket but also thrive off the platform. That led to his breakthrough in this year’s training camp when he was given the backup job. Similar to Burrow, he is able to stay poised in big moments, which Taylor noted when Browning entered the Bengals’ Week 11 game against the Ravens following Burrow’s injury.
That’s why Palmer is optimistic about what awaits Browning.
“Jake Browning has a good case for running,” Palmer said, “based on his style of play and the situation he’s in.”
After Monday’s surgery, Burrow will be around the team as much as possible, watching Browning try to get his team to the playoffs.