The Minnesota Vikings are clearly focused on moving to 2-0 on the season as they prepare for a Sunday Night Football Duel against Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons, but there are parts of this coaching staff who are trying to prepare this team for a Week 3 game against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.
While the Bengals might be one of the tougher non-divisional opponents on the Minnesota schedule due to how easily Burrow can take a team apart through the air, the latest injury news might be concerning enough for Cincinnati to impact Burrow's availability for Week 3.
During Cincinnati's Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Burrow suffered what appeared to be a left toe injury that was severe enough for him to be removed from the game. Burrow limped to the locker room, and his status for the rest the game has been deemed questionable.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning, who actually performed fairly admirably when he had to relieve an injured Burrow during the 2023 season, came into the game as an injury replacement. Brian Flores would clearly rather see Browning than Burrow across from him.
Vikings may not play healthy Joe Burrow in Week 3 vs. Bengals
Browning, who actually spent some time with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent out of Washington, possesses great accuracy on short passes, but his very weak NFL arm could make it tough for him to stretch the Minnesota defense in any meaningful way.
A Vikings defense that managed to overcome a slow start and beat up on Caleb Williams during Week 1 might have a field day going up against Browning, as he also lacks the mobility needed to escape a pass rush that managed to rattle Williams in the season opener's deciding moments.
The Vikings will need every lucky break they can get if they want to compete in a crowded NFC North. While you never want to see a player of Burrow's caliber every get hurt, the Vikings' players likely won't be complaining if he is unable to suit up in this one.