Joe Burrow injury update: QB throws on practice field for first time, not yet cleared for contact

CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow is back!

The Bengals franchise QB spoke Tuesday after his second throwing session in as many days as part of voluntary workouts. This week was the first time Burrow threw on the practice field since his season-ending wrist injury during a Thursday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 16, 2023.

Burrow said he "feels great" and while he has been progressing through his recovery, he's not done with that process yet. He said he hasn't yet been cleared for contact, but expects that in the next month.

"The wrist maybe is going to hurt sometimes," Burrow said of his recovery, noting that while there will be good days and bad days, he has been "encouraged" by the last two days. He said he has been throwing the ball for about a month.

Burrow said he is approaching his body differently this year, trying to better be aware of aches and pains that will prompt him to take it easier than in year's past. Burrow also said he is bigger than he was last year.

"I'm in a good spot and I'm happy with where I'm at," Burrow said.

While on the field, the franchise QB wore a Bengals-themed hat, had a sleeve on his throwing arm, and was rocking a new pair of Jordan cleats.

Burrow also strained his calf in training camp last year. He appeared to be moving on Tuesday without issue, and was able to throw with no visible impediments.

On Monday, the Bengals posted a video of its star quarterback throwing a football inside the bubble practice field.

It was is the first real evidence of Burrow throwing a football in 171 days.

Burrow said he felt his wrist "pop" while throwing a touchdown pass to Joe Mixon in the team's Week 11 loss last season. Burrow was eventually diagnosed with a torn ligament.

Approximately a week after the injury, Burrow had surgery to fix the ligament, which the Bengals said "went as planned."

Burrow is set to remain with the Cincinnati Bengals through 2029 after signing a 5-year, $275 million contract extension with the team in September of 2023, before the injury.