Burrow's doctor says QB is on track to play in season opener

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is on track to play Week 1, nine months and 10 days after he underwent reconstructive knee surgery, his doctor said.

The former No. 1 overall pick is less likely to play in the preseason, as doctors want don't want him taking contact until the nine-month mark post-surgery.

"He's on track for full go for start of the season," Dr. Neal ElAttrache texted ESPN's Adam Schefter. "He's doing all the work. He's worked his tail off and been an amazingly mature participant in his recovery. He's focused and great to work with."

ElAttrache operated on Burrow on Dec. 2, 2020, after the quarterback tore his ACL and MCL in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team. Players typically return from ACL surgeries in 9-12 months, but the additional damage Burrow suffered was expected to keep him out closer to a year.

Burrow threw for 2,688 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 65.3% of his passes before his season ended.

"We are very happy with his recovery to say the least," ElAttrache said. "Notwithstanding the nature of his injury and extent of his reconstruction, his knee is performing perfectly.

"We just had him tested out here with a high-tech video and biomechanical evaluation and he was ahead of where we anticipated and well into the return to performance phase of his recovery. With him already performing this way, it's 'all systems go' for the start of the season."

Burrow, 24, said in April that he was ahead of schedule and expected to take the first snap of the season opener. Cincinnati will host the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 12.