Joe Burrow: Playing in Bengals' Preseason After Knee Injury Would Be Pushing It

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says it's unlikely he will be available for the 2021 preseason as he recovers from a torn ACL.

"I think preseason is probably pushing it a little bit. But that Week 1 goal is mine," Burrow told reporters Tuesday.

Burrow tore his ACL and MCL and suffered damage to the PCL and meniscus in his left knee in a Week 11 matchup against the Washington Football Team. If he's back in the lineup by Week 1 of next season, his recovery time would be under 10 months—on the earlier side of a typical recovery.

Burrow threw for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns against five interceptions in 10 games, and the Bengals went 2-7-1 in his starts.

"We didn't win as many games as I would have liked and as everyone else would have liked within the organization and the city. But I think we built a great foundation going forward and a great learning experience for not only myself but for our team," Burrow said Monday on Fox (via ESPN's Ben Baby).

The Bengals will select fifth in April's NFL draft and will likely focus on getting Burrow more help. Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell would be an ideal fit but is unlikely to be available at No. 5, so Cincinnati may focus on a pass-catcher like Florida tight end Kyle Pitts or LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater is also an option if the Bengals are determined to fix an offensive line that left Burrow vulnerable too many times in 2020.