Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, sustained a notable injury during Week 10 of the 2024 season when he was hit low at the knee by a defender and fell awkwardly on the turf. The play resulted in a knee injury that caused him to leave the game. Medical evaluation afterward confirmed a grade 3 LCL sprain and a grade 2 PCL sprain, with no fracture or dislocation. This overview outlines the verified timeline, treatment steps, and implications for performance and availability, emphasizing that on-field observations aligned with imaging findings and standard protocols for ligament recovery.
Verified injury details and clinical findings
Postgame imaging and clinical exams indicated specific ligament damage without associated fractures or meniscal tears. Understanding the structure and grading helps contextualize recovery expectations and protocol adherence.
Structures involved and grading
- LCL (lateral collateral ligament): Grade 3 sprain — complete tear
- PCL (posterior cruciate ligament): Grade 2 sprain — partial tear
- No fracture, no meniscal tear, no dislocation reported
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Injury type | LCL sprain (grade 3), PCL sprain (grade 2) | Team/league injury report |
| Mechanism | Low hit to knee, awkward fall | Game footage and postgame notes |
| Imaging | No fracture or dislocation | Medical imaging and exam |
| Ligament status | Complete LCL tear; partial PCL tear | Clinical diagnosis |
Immediate on-field and sideline response
After the hit, trainers evaluated the knee on the field, applied a brace, and conducted range-of-motion checks. The decision to leave the game was precautionary, based on ligament instability evident during testing and MRI findings obtained shortly after. Standard care for a grade 3 LCL sprain includes immobilization and controlled movement to protect healing tissue while preventing stiffness.
Recovery phases and typical timelines
Recovery from combined LCL and PCL sprains follows a phased approach, prioritizing inflammation control, mobility, strength, and neuromuscular re-education. Return-to-play timing varies by individual, but protocols emphasize objective milestones rather than fixed dates.
- Phase 1 (0–2 weeks): Reduce swelling, protect the ligament, begin gentle movement
- Phase 2 (2–6 weeks): Progressive strengthening, balance, and controlled loading
- Phase 3 (6+ weeks): Sport-specific drills, agility, and return to contact readiness
Key milestones and precautions
Clinicians look for normalized range of motion, strength within target percentiles, negative pivot-shift testing for LCL integrity, and pain-free endurance activities. Rushing back increases re-injury risk, so progression is individualized and monitored through objective testing.
Comparison with other knee injuries in football
Not all knee injuries are equal in mechanism or prognosis. Burrow’s injury involved two major stabilizing ligaments without meniscal or bone involvement, which affects rehab strategy and long-term outlook differently than isolated tears or fractures.
| Injury type | Key structures | Typical management | Return timeline (typical range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL grade 3 alone | Lateral collateral ligament | Bracing, controlled rehab | 6–12 weeks |
| PCL grade 2 alone | Posterior cruciate ligament | Immobilization, progressive loading | 4–8 weeks |
| ACL tear | Anterior cruciate ligament | Surgery, extensive rehab | 9–12+ months |
| Meniscus tear | Meniscal cartilage | Variable; surgery if locked | 4–8 weeks (minor), 3–6 months (meniscus repair) |
| Fracture | Bone | Immobilization or surgery | 6–12+ weeks |
Impact on performance and mechanics
LCL and PCL injuries can alter knee stability, influencing cutback ability, balance under load, and confidence in contact. During recovery, quarterbacks often work on controlled deceleration, proprioception drills, and throwing mechanics that reduce rotational stress on the knee. As strength and stability return, film study and simulated scenarios help rebuild in-plant confidence.
Long-term outlook and preventative measures
With full rehabilitation and consistent strength maintenance, many athletes return to preinjury performance levels. Continued focus on hamstring and glute strength, balanced flexibility, and proper tackling/slide techniques can lower re-injury risk. Teams typically use gradual practice progressions and monitor workload to support durable returns.
Key takeaways and context
Joe Burrow’s injury involved a grade 3 LCL sprain and a grade 2 PCL sprain with no fracture. Recovery followed structured rehab phases and was guided by objective clinical milestones. Protocol adherence and gradual progression are central to reducing re-injury risk. Understanding the specific structures involved clarifies why certain rehab strategies and return timelines are used in professional football.
Tags: sports-injury, quarterbacks, lcl-sprain, pcl-sprain, return-to-play