Stephen A. Smith suggests Joe Burrow shouldn’t return WITHOUT a new historic deal from the Bengals amid injury woes

Joe Burrow recently suffered a calf strain injury and had to be carted off the field during practice.

Stephen A. Smith suggests Joe Burrow shouldn’t return WITHOUT a new historic deal from the Bengals amid injury woes

Stephen A. Smith (L- ESPN) and Joe Burrow (R- USA Today)

The Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow, who is up next for a contract extension, suffered a right calf strain injury on Thursday and had to be carted off the field during the training camp. Burrow’s injury has left the Bengals fans in a sad situation. Amidst this situation, some experts, including the renowned ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, believe Burrow shouldn’t step onto the practice field without signing a contract extension.

During a recent episode of the ESPN show First Take, co-host Molly Qerim asked Smith whether Burrow should return to the field without a new contract. “Of course not,” replied Smith immediately.

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Smith brushed off the injury concerns. He said even if Burrow misses the entire 2023 season because of injury, the Bengals would still sign him to a contract extension because he’s just that good of a player.

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“He’s that elite, he’s that big time, he is going to contract, no matter what. I don’t give a damn if his injury left him out for half the season or the entire season. The Cincinnati Bengals would still sign him on a dotted line,” said Stephen A. Smith.

However, Smith advised the Bengals to keep the quarterback out of the field and not to risk further injuries without signing a long-term extension. “The bottom line is this, they got to protect the franchise, as my team would say, protect the asset,” said Stephen A. “If that means keeping him off the damn field and making sure not a scratch or a pimple appears on him, that’s what you do, it’s that simple.”

Recently, the Los Angeles Chargers signed their franchise QB Justin Herbert to a record-breaking 5-year extension worth up to $262.5 million. That deal made Herbert the highest-paid NFL player of all time in terms of average annual value. Burrow’s new contract is estimated to be costlier than Herbert’s record deal.

Related: WATCH: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce engages in a HEATED fight with teammate during training camp

Joe Burrow will be out for several weeks, says Zac Taylor

Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor SI
Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor (Image via SI)

The Bengals and Joe Burrow avoided a disaster on Thursday as Burrow’s injury turned out to be a calf strain and nothing serious. However, Burrow will still miss several weeks according to head coach Zac Taylor.

The Bengals HC recently gave an update about Burrow’s injury and revealed that the Pro Bowl QB will be out for multiple weeks. During his absence, backup QBs Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning will be taking 1st team reps alternatively.

Burrow is also expected to not play in any of the pre-season games. As things stand now, he could come back right in time for the Bengals’ 2023 season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 10.

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