Joe Burrow sat for a feature interview published June 8, sharing that his body feels "the best it has in a long time." This is more than mere optimism--it reflects a quarterback who missed nine games in 2025 with a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury, indicating his physical condition has markedly improved during the offseason.
Burrow played only eight games last season, completing 173 of 259 passes for 1,809 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions. While those numbers project to a 38-touchdown, 11-interception pace over a full 17-game schedule, projections are only theoretical. The Bengals' performance dropped notably after Burrow's injury, underscoring his importance to the team's success. The pressing question is whether Burrow can maintain health throughout an entire season, as his injury history has been a recurring concern.
Now entering his seventh NFL season, Burrow has completed a full 17-game slate just once, during his rookie campaign in 2020. His journey includes a torn ACL in 2021, missed time in 2022 due to an appendectomy, playing through a strained calf in 2023, and lastly, the turf toe in 2025. These setbacks are not merely bad luck; Burrow's competitive style--frequently scrambling, holding onto the ball under pressure, and absorbing sacks--contributes to his physical vulnerability.
The severity of a Grade 3 turf toe--defined as a complete tear of the plantar plate ligament under the big toe--cannot be understated for a quarterback reliant on precise footwork and mobility in the pocket. Burrow's declaration of feeling his best since sustaining the injury suggests the recovery process was effective, supported by appropriate rest and rehabilitation over this offseason.
Health aside, Burrow also addressed the departure of Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' top edge rusher. Hendrickson left in free agency and signed with the Baltimore Ravens, an AFC North rival. Hendrickson posted 17.5 sacks in 2024 and remained a formidable pass-rushing presence in 2025. Facing Hendrickson twice annually in a Ravens uniform adds a significant challenge for the Bengals.
The loss of Hendrickson has left a gap that Cincinnati endeavored to fill this offseason. The defensive line now features Boye Mafe, who recorded eight sacks with Seattle in 2024 and fits well in the defensive scheme. Myles Murphy enters his fourth year, and Shemar Stewart, a 2025 draft pick, still projects as a developing talent. The Bengals also added second-round pick Cashius Howell this year and signed veteran Jonathan Allen to bolster the interior defensive line.
None of these players, however, replicate Hendrickson's elite pass-rushing talent. Defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized that the Bengals will employ a rotation of eight linemen to maintain pressure quotas, describing it as "a survival strategy" that relies on depth and scheme rather than a single standout star. This approach will be tested, particularly against dynamic quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, as the defense adjusts to the absence of an ace edge rusher.
Burrow, meanwhile, expressed strong confidence in the 2026 Bengals roster, calling it the deepest he has had during his time in Cincinnati. Given his experience on the 2021 AFC Championship team, the 2022 Super Bowl runner-up, the 2023 playoff-missing squad, and the injury-plagued 2025 team, Burrow's assessment carries substantial weight. The roster features an impressive receiving corps with stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase notched 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, while Higgins contributed 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 scores. Supporting receivers include Andrei Iosivas and 2026 fourth-round pick Colbie Young.
The tight end group--featuring Mike Gesicki, Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample--offers functional depth even if no true superstar yet emerges. Running back Chase Brown led the ground game with 1,019 rushing yards and six touchdowns, supplemented by 69 receptions for 437 yards. Samaje Perine remains a reliable complementary back. The offensive line returns key players Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras, Amarius Mims, and Cody Ford, alongside new draftees Connor Lew and Brian Parker II at center. The line performed at a middle-of-the-pack level in 2025 but needs improvement to sustain Burrow's health and effectiveness.
Defensively, the secondary added third-round pick Tacario Davis, described by head coach Zac Taylor as a long corner who "complements DJ Turner really well." The safety corps includes Kyle Dugger, Jordan Battle, and Bryan Cook. Linebacker depth was bolstered with 2025 draftees Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. Veteran additions Jonathan Allen and Dexter Lawrence bring experience to the defensive line, although the pass rush remains the unit's biggest question mark.
Sportsbooks currently list the Bengals at +2200 odds to win Super Bowl LXI, reflecting skepticism rooted in Burrow's injury history and the pass rush uncertainty. A fully healthy Burrow with Chase and Higgins is a legitimate contender; another season limited by injury likely returns the team to a rebuilding status.
The 2026 season launches in September, with mandatory minicamp later this month and training camp opening in July. Burrow will be closely monitored with a managed workload to mitigate injury risk while preparing to face the new challenge of Hendrickson donning Ravens colors. The pivotal test arrives on game day, when a Grade 3 turf toe's impact either stays in the past or threatens to resurface under pressure.
Joe Burrow's physical and mental readiness coming out of the offseason instills hope for Bengals fans. The team's efforts to shore up roster depth convey a commitment to contend despite losing a key defensive weapon. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Burrow's feet, the revamped defense, and how Cincinnati navigates the high stakes of an AFC North rivalry renewed in full force.