Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow underwent surgery to repair a tear in the scapholunate ligament on his right wrist, sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell The Enquirer.
The procedure was done in Pennsylvania by Dr. Thomas Graham, the Physician in Chief of the Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, sources confirmed to The Enquirer. Graham is from East Liverpool, Ohio, and earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Sources indicate the timeline for return from this injury is four to six months. This ligament is in the middle of the wrist between the scaphoid and lunate bones. It’s an important wrist-stabilizing ligament.
Burrow suffered this injury in the Bengals’ 34-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Nov. 16. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced Burrow’s season was over the next day. The Bengals announced Burrow underwent a successful surgery on Nov. 27 and is expected to make a full recovery with the following statement:
“Joe Burrow underwent successful surgery on his wrist today. The procedure went as planned and he is expected to make a complete recovery. Joe will return to Cincinnati this week to be with the team and begin the recovery and rehab process.”
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Graham, a world-renowned hand surgeon, has operated on several professional athletes. In the NFL, Graham recently repaired Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson’s thumb in 2021. He’s also worked on NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. Graham is widely praised for his work on several MLB stars over the years, including Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper when he performed his Tommy John surgery.
He’s also worked on Boston Red Sox infielder David Hamilton, Oakland A’s pitcher Sonny Gray, Cleveland Guardians third-baseman Jose Ramirez to name a few.
The Bengals will begin their voluntary offseason program in mid-April with organized team activities taking place from May into mid-June. Burrow, and the rest of the Bengals’ locker room, will be off until the start of training camp which usually begins in the final week of July.
Burrow’s recovery process will be closely tracked as the injury took place on his throwing hand. Burrow and the team’s medical staff will decide whether he throws in the spring.
It’s worth noting Burrow was able to recover from his ACL surgery in his rookie season faster than the projected timeline. Though the injuries are completely different, it’s noteworthy because he is widely praised for his work ethic and diligence to his craft so there is no question about how Burrow will attack his rehab.
It was important for Burrow to stay around the team after his surgery. He understands his role on the team – whether he’s playing or not. He’s been seen at team practices, present in the locker room and in the meeting rooms, in addition to wearing a headset on the sidelines during games to assist with the offense. He sits with Jake Browning – the Bengals’ backup quarterback starting in place of Burrow – on the bench when defense is on the field.
Burrow also gifted his personal suite to Browning’s family. He’s as involved as he can be despite having season-ending surgery.
The Bengals gave Burrow a five-year extension worth $275 million that carries an average annual salary of $55 million in early September. He’s under contract with the Bengals through 2029.