Bengals QB Joe Burrow 'ahead of schedule' after knee surgery, 'very optimistic' he'll play in season opener

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow still is on track for the start of the 2021 campaign. 

During an interview on "The Cris Collinsworth Podcast featuring Richard Sherman," the young quarterback said that he is "ahead of schedule" after undergoing ACL and MCL surgery.

"I'm expecting to be there on the first snap of 2021," Burrow said, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. "I'm very optimistic about where I'm at and also where the team's at. Rehab is going very, very well. Lifting is going very, very well. I'm in great shape. Legs feel good. Knee feels good."

Burrow suffered a left knee injury in a loss to Washington on Nov. 22. His interview marked his first public comments since January, one month after knee surgery. 

Despite a 2-7-1 record, the LSU product was having a solid season before suffering the injury. Burrow completed 65.3% of his passes for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns against five interceptions. He also ran for 142 yards and three scores. 

Although Burrow's rookie campaign ended on an unfortunate note, he's clearly focused on returning better than ever in 2021.