Joe Burrow’s Injuries Remind Dan Orlovsky of Former Colts QB Andrew Luck

The lack of investment by the Cincinnati Bengals into their offensive line is hurting star quarterback Joe Burrow time and again.

Joe Burrow’s Injuries Remind Dan Orlovsky of Former Colts QB Andrew Luck

Dan Orlovsky believes Joe Burrow is heading down Andrew Luck's path (Image via Imago)

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Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals hoped this season they could continue where they left off last time, and use their offensive prowess to win games and try to reach the playoffs.

Now, all those hopes have been dashed after the QB suffered a turf toe injury to his left foot. He has decided to undergo surgery, which will keep him out for at least 3 months.

That effectively ends the Bengals’ chances of reaching the playoffs. Even though backup Jake Browning played well to lead them to victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they had a controversial 4th down penalty to thank for the win.

This would be the second major injury to Burrow after he missed much of the 2023 season due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. Even though he came back in the 2024 season, that injury seemed to be limiting his effectiveness, at least during the first few games.

Fans were quick to blame the lack of investment in the offensive line. Former NFL quarterback and now ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky finds the situation eerily similar to something another QB faced.

Yesterday needs to change the Bengals organizational philosophy for the remainder of Joe Burrow’s time. It feels like Joe Burrow is trending towards becoming this generation’s Andrew Luck in a way.

Dan Orlovsky said on NFL Live

The former Lions QB threw up statistics to compare what Andrew Luck faced in his career to what Burrow is facing in a similar time frame. The latter has been hit more times than the former Colts quarterback, and that is alarming.

Dan Orlovsky wants Bengals to mimic Chargers’ focus and protect Joe Burrow

Dan Orlovsky is concerned that the number of hits Joe Burrow takes is going to continue becoming a problem for the Cincinnati Bengals. He then revealed what the Los Angeles Chargers have done ever since Jim Harbaugh took over.

We are calling the Raiders-Chargers game. In talks with coach Harbaugh, the thing that stood out was, ‘All I think about is, I have to protect Justin Herbert. If I protect Justin Herbert, we can go to the Super Bowl and win it.’

Dan Orlovsky said

The ESPN analyst used that example to remind the Bengals that they have to adopt a similar strategy. Their star quarterback, whom they handed a handsome contract extension, cannot make plays if he is running for his life all the time.

Orlovsky called for the Bengals to rethink their strategy and make it a point to turn their focus on building a quality offensive line next offseason. Only then can Joe Burrow thrive and lead the franchise back to the playoffs.

Bengals cannot continue to use league-bottom O-Line to protect Joe Burrow

When one watches the video when Joe Burrow injuring his toe, it is apparent that he was trying his best to avoid a sack. He tried to escape to his left, then turned back to his right, only to be sacked, and then he hurt his toe.

Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Game 2
Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Game 2 (Image via Polymarket Football/X)

ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted a tweet where he shared how the Bengals’ offensive line has ranked over the years when the LSU star was manning their most important position.

He has been consistently playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. This season, they are ranked 28th, the second best they have been in these 6 years, but it is data after just two games.

If this trend continues, and the 28-year-old continues to get injured, the fear is that he might be forced to leave the game if he prioritizes his future well-being, just like Andrew Luck did after 7 seasons in the NFL.

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