Cincinnati Bengals Decide to Leave Rookie WR Jermaine Burton Behind for Pittsburgh Trip

The headlines are buzzing with news from the Cincinnati Bengals camp as head coach Zac Taylor has decided to keep rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton from traveling with the team to face division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision marks another chapter in what has been an eventful rookie year for Burton, the team’s third-round draft pick.

Burton’s Turbulent Rookie Year

Jermaine Burton’s entry into the NFL has been anything but smooth. Drafted amidst questions about his pre-draft profile and character, the Bengals hoped their strong team culture could nurture the young player’s talent effectively. Coach Zac Taylor was confident that pairing Burton alongside established stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins would help him thrive. However, things have not panned out as anticipated.

The Impact of Burton’s Absence

Burton’s absence is glaring, especially with the Bengals heading into a must-win match against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His involvement has been limited this season, managing just four receptions for 107 yards. This underperformance is linked to his inability to build trust with both the coaching staff and his teammates.

• Lack of production on the field.
• Struggling with off-field responsibilities.
• Failure to establish reliability within the team.

Earlier Benchings and Current Situation

Burton was surprisingly inactive on November 3 during the Bengals’ face-off against the Raiders, a decision arising from his failure to “handle his business” during the week. Despite opportunities to prove himself since then, consistent issues have plagued his first year, casting a shadow over his future at Cincinnati. With his prospects as a pro in question, the decision to leave him out of the critical game against the Steelers adds salt to the wounds.

Implications for the Bengals and Burton’s Future

As the Bengals gear up for a crucial match that could determine their postseason fate, the uncertainty surrounding one of their potential future assets is concerning. A player picked during the Second Day of the draft, like Burton, is expected to show contributions if not immediately, then certainly within the first year. Zac Taylor’s decision hints at a bigger issue, reflecting poorly not just on Burton, but also on the investment Cincinnati made in him.

• Questions regarding Burton’s work ethic and focus.
• Concerns about how much patience the team will have moving forward.

Looking ahead, whether Burton can pivot his professional journey remains an open question. Redemption lies in aligning himself with professional standards and proving his merit both on and off the field. Otherwise, this turbulent rookie year might spell a premature end to his tenure with the Bengals.

Conclusion

The decision not to include Jermaine Burton in the lineup against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a testament to the challenges he’s faced since entering the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. It also provides a clear signal: performance and professionalism are non-negotiable standards that the Bengals uphold. As the team focuses on their current campaign’s success, Burton’s comeback will need a strategic overhaul for him to meet and exceed his potential as an NFL player.

Only time will reveal if Burton can correct the course of his career and line up alongside the receivers he was initially brought in to complement. Until then, Zac Taylor and the Bengals will continue to make choices that best serve the team’s future success.

Source: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/01/03/bengals-news-jermaine-burton-not-traveling-to-pittsburgh-steelers-game-nfl-week-18/77440020007/