Is Joe Burrow starting Week 1? Injury update on Bengals QB after stunning LeBron James-inspired announcement 

Just barely into training camp, Joe Burrow suffered what appeared to be a frightening injury in which he had to be carted off the field. Suddenly, his status for this season and the hopes of his entire team were up in the air.

The injury was not as bad as expected, but his status was still unclear and there was no telling whether or not he'd be able to suit up on Sept. 10.

However, Burrow has channeled LeBron James in announcing that he will be on the field and starting during Week 1. Burron posted an old Instagram picture of himself in a tight-fitting LeBron Cleveland Cavaliers jersey with the caption: "He's back."

The star QB announced his return (Image via Joe Burrow on Instagram)

This was, of course, in reference to James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after he left to join the Miami Heat.

The Cincinnati Bengals star could have missed serious time with the calf injury. But, it happened early in the preseason and was not severe enough to cost him any of the regular season. Unless something happens in practice, the former Heisman Trophy winner will be on the field for the Bengals in six days when they kickstart their season against the Cleveland Browns.

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What happened to Joe Burrow?

Joe Burrow went down in preseason with a calf injury and had to be carted off. Fortunately for him, it was only a strained calf and not a tear, which would have sidelined him for a lengthy period. He is now ready to return for the regular season.

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Exploring Joe Burrow's injury history

This injury will not cost Burrow any time on the field, but it did sap his preseason. That could leave him a bit rusty when he plays since he hasn't practiced all that much.

This is not his first major injury, though. In his rookie season, he tore his ACL. It cost him the remainder of that season, but he was able to return and not miss any of the following season in 2021.

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Joe Burrow's importance to the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals need Joe Burrow. He is the lifeblood of their team. Their defense is solid and the offensive weapons around Burrow, such as Joe Mixon, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are lethal.

Joe Burrow is back

The Bengals have one goal in mind: the Super Bowl. They made it to the ultimate game two years ago and lost before losing in the AFC Championship last time around. They'd like to end their drought by winning it all this year, and they need Burrow fully fit if they're going to do that.