In a devastating blow to the Cincinnati Bengals, star quarterback Joe Burrow has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. Head coach Zac Taylor made the announcement on Friday afternoon, revealing that Burrow will likely require surgery to heal the injury.

With a current record of 5-5, the Bengals are determined to push forward despite the absence of their Pro Bowl quarterback. Coach Taylor expressed confidence that the team's fortunes can still turn around, emphasizing that "this season is far from over."

Burrow suffered the injury during the Bengals' recent loss to the Baltimore Ravens, a game where the team struggled to find their footing. As the rookie quarterback left the field, backup quarterback Jake Browning took his place, performing admirably by completing 8-of-14 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in his first significant NFL action.

Addressing the situation, Burrow acknowledged the difficulties of being sidelined, stating, "You work so hard for seasons and moments like these. Whenever you get hurt and it ends early, it's tough to handle. That's a part of the game." Burrow described feeling a sudden "pop" in his wrist during the play that led to his injury.

Adding to the Bengals' concerns, the NFL has launched an investigation into the team's management of Burrow's injury status leading up to the game. The Bengals briefly posted a video on social media showing Burrow with his right hand in what appeared to be a soft cast, but later deleted it. Such inquiries from the NFL are not uncommon, as they regularly review similar cases. Violations of the NFL's injury report policy can result in fines or the loss of draft picks for teams.

Burrow's injury marks another setback in his young career, as he had previously suffered a calf injury earlier in the season. However, he had managed to play through it and had not missed a game until now. It is worth noting that Burrow's rookie season was also cut short due to a knee injury.

The Bengals' division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, are also grappling with the loss of their starting quarterback. Deshaun Watson is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, further highlighting the challenges faced by AFC North teams this year.

Despite the obstacles ahead, the Cincinnati Bengals remain determined to rally and make a strong showing in the rest of the season. They will look to backup quarterback Jake Browning to lead the team and guide them towards success while Joe Burrow focuses on recovering from his wrist injury.