Bengals Joe Burrow Exits Game After Taking Massive Shot from Steelers Defender

UPDATE:

Burrow was checked and cleared for a concussion and has since returned to the game.

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The Cincinnati Bengals are seeing their worst fear come true. Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow took a massive shot from the Pittsburgh Steelers, resulting in him being pulled from the game.

Burrow was hit and landed hard on the football, and he was on the turf in noticeable pain. He immediately went to the sideline and entered the blue medical tent to be checked out.

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 09: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium on December 9, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Cooper Neill/Getty Images

As Burrow was jogging to the sideline, he had his head tilted up and was grimacing. Losing Burrow right now would be devastating for the Bengals.

Steelers star defender Cam Heyward pushed through the Bengals' offensive line and was able to get to Burrow along with another Pittsburgh defender. The massive shot led to the Cincinnati signal-caller lying on the ground in discomfort.

Burrow has been spectacular in the 2024 season. Through the first 17 games, he has secured 4,461 yards, 42 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Many believe that he should be considered for the MVP award considering how well he has been playing.

The Bengals struggled early on at the beginning of the season, going 4-8 in their first 12 games. Despite the up-and-down start to the season, Cincinnati has been on a four-game win streak and is angling for a playoff berth.

Getting into the playoffs will take a lot of help. The first thing that must be done is to beat the Steelers. At the time of this writing, the score is 16-7 in favor of the Bengals.

Burrow has thrown 300 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 27-for-20 attempts.

Should the Bengals win against the Steelers, they will still need some help from a couple of other AFC playoff hopefuls. The first is the Denver Broncos.

The Bengals need the Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, which might be very difficult. The Chiefs are resting most of their starters to prepare for a deep playoff run.

Though it isn't impossible for the Chiefs to beat the Broncos, they will be doing so with almost all backup players.

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The other instance that needs to happen is the Miami Dolphins need to lose to the New York Jets. That is also going to be difficult considering the Jets have not been a good football team in 2024. The Dolphins have also had their struggles, but have since turned things around like the Bengals.

Should the Broncos and Dolphins lose, the Bengals can waltz into the playoffs following a win against the Steelers.

For more on the Bengals, head to Newsweek Sports.