Joe Burrow Injured Wrist
Cincinnati Bengals star QB Joe Burrow will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right wrist. This news came out Friday after he was unable to play after the first quarter of Thursday night football.
Joe Burrow is out for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/LycHe9JSSO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2023
Burrow played the first quarter of the game and got injured while throwing a screen pass for a touchdown. He tried throwing the ball on the sideline and was unable to do so, then was ruled out for the night shortly after.
It appeared Burrow had an injury coming into Thursday’s night game, as he was captured with a brace on his wrist on the team's social media post. He had no injury designation, however, and the post was deleted shortly after. The brace was on the same hand/wrist he hurt.
Burrow, who has been one of the best players in the league since being drafted, was having a good season. Before his injury, he started all 10 games and threw for 2,309 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.
Bengals' Playoff Push
He had the Bengals in the middle of the playoff race, sitting at 5-5 after Thursday's game. The Bengals turned to rookie Jake Browning, who threw for a touchdown and 68 yards. The Bengals will most likely rely on him to help the team make a playoff push. He is surrounded by weapons all over, such as Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon, and more to help him find his way. It will be critical that his star playmakers continue to produce in the absence of Joe Burrow, and step up big for their rookie quarterback.
Mark Andrews Ankle Injury
On the other side of things, the Baltimore Ravens also lost a top player in the league, tight end Mark Andrews.
Andrews also got hurt in the first quarter, after he got tackled weirdly and hurt his ankle. Ravens Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that it was a serious ankle injury, and Andrews would likely be done for the year.
John Harbaugh says TE Mark Andrews (ankle) will be out for the season. pic.twitter.com/wYuE6BCyax
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2023
Andrews is a huge loss for the Ravens offense, as he is 2nd in the team in both receiving yards and targets. He also leads the team in receiving touchdowns and was one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets.
Ravens' Playoff Push
The Ravens will replace Andrews with tight-end Isaiah Likely. Jackson will also be forced to throw to his receivers more, as he lost one of the best pass catchers in the league. Rookie Zay Flowers, who is having a very good year so far, will have to step up to help the Ravens continue to win games. Odell Beckham Jr. will also have to use his experience to help guide the Ravens' offense to success through the passing game.
Sitting at 8-3 and atop the AFC North, the Ravens are in very good shape to make the playoffs. They have won 5 of their last 6 games, and hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. Their receivers will have to step up to help their star quarterback, but overall they are still in pretty good shape even after the injury.
Summary
This year, it seems as if the league's best players are getting hurt left and right, and Thursday night was no exception. Hopefully, Andrews and Burrow can both make full and healthy recoveries and get back to playing as soon as possible. Until then, these AFC North foes will each focus on the playoffs and getting increased production from their surrounding casts.
