Bengals' Dalton Risner makes promise to Joe Burrow after latest injury

Months before the Cincinnati Bengals were able to confirm that they had re-signed veteran guard Dalton Risner to an inexpensive one-year contract, he was responsible for a missed block on a play that ended with starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffering a serious toe injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season.

On Monday, Risner made it clear that he hasn't forgotten what occurred this past September. 

Dalton Risner will "always remember" the Joe Burrow injury moment

"I'll always remember it," Risner said about that moment, per Russell Heltman of Sports Illustrated. "I'm never gonna forget about it. I've always been a guy that's gonna be real. Let's just call it for what it is, man. We live in a world where we all try to be perfect, and we all try to have it all put together all the time, and no one wants to admit their mistakes. I'd rather do the opposite. I'd rather be exactly who I am and call it for what it is." 

The 2025 Bengals improved to 2-0 on the same day that Burrow went down with his latest injury. However, he needed surgery to repair the issue, and Cincinnati ultimately fell to 3-8 before he was able to return to the lineup. 

Since December, questions about Burrow's happiness as a member of the Bengals have hovered over the franchise. Just last week, a report shared that some within the league believe Burrow could submit a trade request next winter if the Bengals miss the playoffs for a fourth straight year.

Joe Burrow "wanted" Dalton Risner to stay with Bengals

Meanwhile, it seems that the working relationship between Risner and Burrow remains strong despite all that went wrong for the Bengals this past season. 

"This deal wouldn't have been done without guys like Joe Burrow. Joe Burrow pushed for me this whole offseason," Risner added on Monday, per Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' website. "He checked in. He wanted me there. (Right tackle) Amarius Mims was outspoken. I had so many people. My offensive line coach. (Head coach) Zac Taylor. I just felt like I had so many people that pulled for me that I don't think this would have gotten done without them."

Risner and his fellow linemen will now be tasked with keeping Burrow healthy for more than a handful of games next season.