The Cincinnati Bengals need a lot of young players to step up particularly on the defensive side of the ball in 2025.
Second-year wide receiver Jermaine Burton has a greater margin for error thanks to the presence of reliable studs like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas topping the depth chart. However, in the midst of a promising start to camp, Burton was unexpectedly absent from the practice field on Sunday.
There were character concerns that caused Burton to fall to the third round of the 2024 draft after many labeled him as a first-round talent. After a rocky rookie campaign, Burton was showing positive signs in training camp until this latest setback.
Based on what the young man himself had to say on Monday, though, it sounds like Burton's situation wasn't anything to be alarmed about.
Jermaine Burton clarifies injury was why he missed recent practice
It wasn't immediately apparent why Burton wasn't seen anywhere on the practice field on Sunday. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher expressed frustration that Burton wasn't able to suit up once it was revealed that he was "day-to-day" with an undisclosed injury.
Speculation began to fly around that Burton was in trouble with some off-field issue. That prompted him to release a statement today to emphasize that his lack of participation was purely injury-related.
— 👁🗨 (@NASAMAINE3) August 11, 2025
At the end of his statement, Burton vowed to continue working hard for the team and for the fans, and that he'll be back in action soon. That's the main takeaway to me here. While I don't love that Burton felt the need to pop off at the media, I can only imagine his frustration at the obvious narratives people started running with.
Again, it's not like the Bengals are hurting for pass-catchers. That's one of the beyond-reproach, unquestioned strengths of the roster. Between the aformentioned wide receiver trio, and dynamic tight ends like Mike Gesicki and the newly-signed Noah Fant, Joe Burrow has no shortage of weapons to throw the rock to.
It's just that any Burton-related setback will be magnified based on his reputation. By and large, the 24-year-old sounds as if he's come a long way toward realizing his potential as a pro, thanks to enhanced maturity and an improved mentality.
We'll all find out together here soon if Burton can truly be depended upon to contribute in a meaningful way for the Bengals this season. The biggest key for him will probably be staying locked in while the likes of Chase, Higgins, and Iosivas get priority over him at his position.