Bengals guard Joe Burrow suffers season-ending injury

The Cincinnati Bengals received a devastating injury update on Friday. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, offensive tackle D'Ante Smith is “expected” to miss the entire 2024 season after suffering an injury on Thursday.

“The first belief is #Bengals OT D'Ante Smith will miss the 2024 season due to a patellar tendon injury, the source said. MRI results confirm the exact nature of the injury. Smith went into joint training with the #Bears on Thursday,” Fowler wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Bengals' offensive line has been a question mark for the past few years. Quarterback Joe Burrow has not always provided consistent protection on the offensive line since being signed by Cincinnati. Burrow has struggled with injury concerns throughout his NFL career. In his four NFL seasons so far, he has only played in 11 or more games twice, so strengthening the offensive line has been a priority for the Bengals. Losing Smith certainly won't improve the situation.

Bengals' Offensive Line Outlook 2024

The Bengals' offensive line looks to take a step forward in 2024. Orlando Brown Jr., Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa and Trent Brown could make up Cincinnati's starting lineup. If they can find a way to limit Burrows' attacks, the QB may enjoy not only a good season, but an MVP-worthy one.

Burrow has elite potential. When healthy, he is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL.

He is considered one of the best LSU football players of all time. And if he can keep his injuries at bay in the future, Burrow will likely become one of the best Bengals players of all time.

Right now, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are focused on preparing for the upcoming 2024 season. They may be looking to add more depth to the offensive line after D'Ante Smith's injury. He will be out for the entire 2024 season.