The Bengals receiver was not present at practice on Sunday due to an undisclosed injury, meaning neither Cincinnati or Burton has addressed the nature of his injury.
Burton did confirm that he skipped practice due to injury and no other reason. Burton is known for his maturity issues, which led to many people wondering why he was not at practice. He also denied talking to reporters.
“Several posts and headlines have circulated regarding my absence from on the field yesterday. Unfortunately, some of these reports have omitted important context, leading to false assumptions about my commitment and character.” Burton says. “To be clear—my absence was DUE TO INJURY, not for any other reason. Any suggestion otherwise is simply untrue. I take my role with the Bengals and my preparation for this season seriously and I am focused on recovering and getting back on the field as soon as possible.”
Last season, Burton did not play against the Raiders in November because he did not show up at a Saturday walkthrough and in early January he did not travel with the team for their week 18 matchup against the Steelers.
Fortunately, Joe Burrow says he’s taken this offseason more seriously and has seen growth from the second-year receiver.
“I think he stepped up this year so far, has taken it very seriously. Has matured, it seems like. That’s exciting to see. Based on the conversations that we have had, he’s in a good spot mentally and physically. And he’s been working hard, which is exciting to see.
Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher also praised Burton as well.
“Jermaine’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do throughout the spring. He’s got a good look in his eye, he’s here putting the time in. I would say that his mental errors and things that are within his control are much improved from where they were a year ago, which is a jump I would expect most second-year players to make, but it’s notable for Jermaine. I do see him putting the work in. Really, for Jermaine, it’s just going to be about maintaining consistency. Having that be able to sustain through training camp, through the preseason, when there’s a hiccup, when something doesn’t go his way, when he doesn’t have a great practice, maybe the opportunities aren’t all there that he would like. How consistent can he be? So, we’ll challenge him that way but pleased with what he’s done this spring.”
In Cincinnati’s preseason-opener against the Eagles, Burton recorded just one catch for three yards and a 32-yard punt return.
In his two-year career he’s generated four receptions, 107 yards, and zero touchdowns. Don’t be surprised if Burton takes a big leap this season and becomes another great weapon for Joe Burrow.
