There is rampant speculation that the Cincinnati Bengals are hiding the severity of Joe Burrow’s injury, a calf issue that head coach Zac Taylor isn’t that serious. But Burrow’s teammate Ja’Marr Chase has now said, multiple times, that he doesn’t want the Bengals quarterback to rush himself back and to only return when he’s 100%.

Even if he misses the first five games of the season.

Does Chase know something that we don’t, that the team doesn’t want people to know? That was speculated by Mike Florio on The Rich Eisen Show this week, pointing out that Cincinnati is not obligated to say anything about Joe Burrow’s injury until days before their first game of the season. It could be a strategic decision then to hire the severity of Burrow’s injury for the next four weeks.

If Burrow misses the start of the season, this should definitely have an impact on the L.A. Rams: The two teams play their Super Bowl rematch in Week 4.

Either Burrow would be out or Burrow will be playing with less preparation and practice than most players in the league at that time. Burrow returned from a torn ACL in 2021 and threw 11 interceptions in the first nine games of the season. He returned from an appendectomy in 2022 and threw four interceptions in Week 1 against the Steelers.

The Bengals are playing backup Jake Browning in his spot in training camp, but also have veteran Trevor Siemian on the roster.

Stetson Bennett fits into Rams’ vision for the future, and Matthew Stafford is playing his part (Yahoo)

“How’d you get there?” Bennett says head coach Sean McVay asked.

“Well, it was man-to-man,” Bennett explained. “I had to slide up. I felt some space and I just saw him and threw it.”

The play illustrates why Bennett excites the Rams and where the most room for growth continues to loom.

Count Bennett’s off-schedule throws, improvisation and football instinct among the reasons the Rams spent the 128th overall draft pick on the Georgia product. Count Bennett’s success due to feel rather than progression or playbook familiarity as a reminder of where Bennett can still grow in earning coaches’ and teammates’ trust. The Rams hope they won’t need Bennett to enter in relief of 15-year pro Matthew Stafford this season. They hope, even, that Bennett’s services won’t be of much use for some time after that.

“I’m a big fan of his game and how he plays it,” Rams general manager Les Snead told Yahoo Sports. “Obviously the mobility factor that’s come into our league, he has that. Time will tell whether he has what it takes to be the heir apparent. But right now?

“If I was selfish, I would definitely try to talk [Stafford] into giving us three more seasons.”

Key Rams players struggling early during NFL training camp (Clutch Points)

1. Derion Kendrick

The second-year cornerback is currently managing a soft tissue injury. This has caused him to miss most of this week’s practice sessions. All the while, the starting position has been available for anyone to claim. Take note that fellow CB Robert Rochell hasn’t demonstrated that he’s prepared for a starting role. Meanwhile, Tre Tomlinson might be too undersized to be a full-time outside starter. This means that Derion Kendrick must make a swift return to the field. Otherwise, there’s a possibility that another player could seize his starting position.

2. Joe Noteboom

Next is Joe Noteboom. Unusually, the Rams haven’t placed actually placed him at left guard and played Steve Avila at right guard. Sure, it’s understandable to not move Noteboom between positions. Still, the team expects more from one of their highest-paid players. That said, he is recovering from an Achilles rupture last year, and his spot on the roster is almost guaranteed after restructuring his contract this offseason. However, not starting is still a disappointment. Remember that this offensive line has faced challenges, with several players rotating in different positions, including Noteboom.