Bengals QB Joe Burrow looks the 'same' as passer, still has limited mobility

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said last week that his injured left knee is 80% to 85% healthy. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI
1 of 5 | Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said last week that his injured left knee is 80% to 85% healthy. File Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo

June 2 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks like "the same old Joe" as a passer, but still has limited mobility as he recovers from the gruesome knee injuries he sustained last season, coach Zac Taylor said.

Burrow tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee in November. Taylor spoke about his progress when he met with reporters Tuesday after a voluntary workout in Cincinnati.

"It's been fun watching him because he looks good throwing the football," Taylor told reporters. "Obviously, he can't do all the moves and stuff and what he'll be doing once the season rolls around.

"But just watching him throw the football, it's the same old Joe."

Burrow is expected to be ready to start for the Bengals in Week 1, when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 12 at Paul Brown Stadium.

Several Bengals pass catchers told reporters that they noticed extra velocity on Burrow's throws at Tuesday's practice.

"They're coming," Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd told reporters. "So we've got to anticipate that because Joe got stronger last year as well. So hands was out there stinging a little bit, but we've got to adjust to it. We're receivers, we've got to catch everything that's thrown at us."

Burrow underwent knee surgery Dec. 2. He threw several balls at least 40 yards Tuesday in Cincinnati.

"There's a couple of things he's continuing to work on and that's not out of the realm of things that he's OK to do right now," Taylor told reporters.

"He looks better every single day I see him. There's a little more movement there. Certainly the distance stuff is something that is not off limits for him right now. I know he's just trying to get reacquainted with some of these receivers and get some extra throws in. That's been good to see."

Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, last spoke to the media May 25. He said he feels like he has "a lot more velocity" on his throws and his knee felt like it was at 80% to 85% recovered.

"We've still got a couple months to go," Burrow told reporters. "I'll get a little stronger and a little bigger, but we're on a good path."

Burrow completed 65.3% of his throws for 2,688 yards, 13 scores and five interceptions in 10 starts last season. He was sacked 32 times during his rookie year.

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