Joe Burrow acknowledges he has faced doubts about durability

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, and he admitted they've taken a mental toll.

"Whenever the injuries start to stack up, your football mortality kind of comes into the back of your mind," Burrow said after Tuesday's mandatory minicamp, via ESPN's Ben Baby. "So, that's definitely something I've thought about and something I have had to fight through."

Burrow — who signed a five-year, $275M extension in 2023 — has missed 14 games in four seasons. He tore his right wrist last season and his left ACL/MCL during his rookie season in 2020.

The 27-year-old passer also strained his right calf in training camp last offseason, which seemed to affect his play. In 10 games, he posted a 51.6 QBR, just above the league average and the second-lowest mark of his career. 

This offseason, Burrow has realized he must find ways to better protect himself. Baby noted that he and head coach Zac Taylor have established rest days during the team's offseason program to ensure he doesn't rush the rehab process. 

"That's something we're being more proactive about this year," Burrow said, per Baby. "We don't have to be ready to go in the middle of June. We have to be ready to go early September through February. That's how we're attacking this offseason and this rehab plan and these practices and training camp. We're attacking it like I want to be out there playing in February."

The Bengals' success depends on whether Burrow stays healthy, so it's a good sign he's focusing on improving his durability. If the plan works, the former Pro Bowler could lead Cincinnati on another deep postseason run.