Speculations about the NFL examining the Cincinnati Bengals for a potential breach of the league’s injury-reporting rules, particularly concerning quarterback Joe Burrow’s wrist injury, have been doing rounds.
The essence of the controversy revolves around whether the Bengals intentionally hid Joe Burrow’s wrist injury before it reached a critical point during a Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The NFL's investigation as to whether an NFL team broke the NFL's poorly enforced injury-reporting rules in a very significant (and potentially costly) way is going exactly how you'd think it would. https://t.co/YgS7Bq665O
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 26, 2023
As per NFL reports, it was this particular game where Burrow’s condition escalated, causing concern among fans and NFL veterans alike.
To counteract these allegations, the Bengals have reportedly submitted extensive footage to NFL officials, with the intention of proving their innocence.
According to reputed NFL insider, Ian Rapoport, this footage demonstrates that prior to the contentious game, Burrow was in prime health. Rapoport stated in an online post.
“According to those who have seen the footage, Burrow threw the ball normally during practice, without a brace, and took all of his normal reps.”
This evidence also includes medical documentation, stating that Burrow’s injury was ‘acute’,
This, according to the team’s medical personnel and coach Zac Taylor, rules out the possibility that the injury happened gradually over an extended period.
Consequently, confirming that the records and the video footage align in stating that Burrow received no treatment before any practices leading up to the game.
However, the controversy takes a twist when it comes to a deleted video that allegedly showed Burrow arriving in Baltimore with a device extending past his wrist.
The Bengals, on being questioned, claimed it was a mere compression sleeve with no linkage to any specific injury.
But why the video was deleted remains a mystery yet to be solved and has catalyzed further suspicion.
Moreover, the fact that the compression sleeve stretched all the way to Burrow’s thumb ignited a fresh wave of speculation.
Perhaps, it’s a case of unfortunate series of coincidences or a dubious effort of intentionally hiding the star quarterback’s injury, the video’s deletion has only fanned the flames of uncertainty.
The situation has led to a spiral of questions about the credibility and authenticity of the Bengals’ claim and the extent to which the league would go to cover their tracks.
While the possibilities are many, the only way to unravel the truth would be a comprehensive investigation, potentially spearheaded by a lawyer who could file a lawsuit and conduct a formal discovery process.
This would shed light on the actualities and rule out any possibilities of self-serving narratives.
