So, here we are again. Another twist in what has been a downright perplexing rookie season for Jermaine Burton. The Bengals’ third-round pick (80th overall, if we’re counting) isn’t making the trip to Pittsburgh for Saturday’s do-or-die matchup against the Steelers. And honestly, it’s got fans scratching their heads—again.
The team announced the news in a statement, with head coach Zac Taylor making it clear: this wasn’t an injury thing. Nope. This was another “coach’s decision,” which, if you’re a Bengals fan, might as well be code for something went sideways.
Déjà Vu for Burton Fans
This isn’t Burton’s first ride on the inactive list this season. Remember that whole “no call, no show” situation back in November before the Raiders game? Yeah, that didn’t exactly scream rookie of the year vibes. And now, with the Bengals fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot, Burton’s absence feels even more glaring.
What happened this time? No one’s talking. Was it another missed walkthrough? A late practice? A rogue TikTok that went viral for all the wrong reasons? We don’t know, but it’s hard not to speculate.
A Season of Frustrations
Let’s call a spade a spade: Jermaine Burton’s rookie season hasn’t exactly been one for the highlight reels. Four catches for 107 yards in 14 games? That’s… not ideal. Especially when you remember that pre-draft hype about his big-play potential.
At 6’2” with a 40-yard dash time that made scouts drool, Burton was supposed to be the guy. You know, that mid-round gem who suddenly turns into a reliable WR3. Instead, we got flashes of brilliance buried under a mountain of inconsistency—and now, another head-scratching benching.
What This Means for the Bengals
The timing couldn’t be worse. The Bengals are sitting on the edge of postseason dreams, facing their division rivals in a must-win game. And sure, Burton hasn’t been a game-changer, but depth matters. With him out, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will need to shoulder even more of the load against a Steelers defense that’s been, let’s face it, a buzzsaw lately.
And let’s not forget the optics. Benching a rookie in a critical game sends a message—not just to Burton but to the whole team. Zac Taylor is drawing a line in the sand: accountability over talent. It’s a bold move, and if the Bengals fall short this weekend, it’s a decision fans will dissect for months.
Is This the End of Burton’s Rookie Campaign?
At this point, it’s fair to wonder if we’ve seen the last of Jermaine Burton this season. If the Bengals miss the playoffs, his 2024 stat line will be set in stone. And it’s a forgettable one.
But hey, stranger things have happened in the NFL. Maybe this benching lights a fire under Burton for next year. Or maybe he becomes one of those “what if” stories fans love to debate in Reddit threads.
For now, all eyes are on Pittsburgh. The Bengals have their backs against the wall, and Jermaine Burton will be watching from afar—just like the rest of us.
What do you think? Is this the right move by the Bengals, or will Burton’s absence come back to bite them? Let the debates begin.
(P.S. Did anyone else think Burton would at least hit 300 yards this season? Wild times, my friends.)
