NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Joe Burrow Incident

Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

NFL Facing Punishment Decision After Joe Burrow Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Sep 13, 2026 3:06 PM ET

Star quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals began their 2026 season at home on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had a phenomenal first half, leading Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers 24-10 after two quarters.

Burrow played a big role in the team’s success in the first half, as he was 14-of-20 passing for 133 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed three times for 20 yards.

The 29-year-old quarterback is coming off a 2025 season where he played only eight games due to a severe turf toe injury, which kept him out for most of the year.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Toward the end of the second quarter on Sunday, Burrow led his Bengals on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that ended in a field goal to give Cincinnati a 14-point lead at halftime.

During that drive, Burrow scrambled up the middle for 12 yards. As he went down to the ground, he was hit by Tampa Bay safety Tykee Smith, who was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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