Cincinnati Bengals fans really, really want to see more of rookie Jermaine Burton in Joe Burrow’s offense.
But the process has been a slow burn for the hyped rookie, even with Tee Higgins in and out of the lineup with injuries.
Burton started his pro journey off on the wrong foot, per reports, then rebounded in a big way.
This past weekend during the loss to Philadelphia, Burton linked up with Burrow on another bomb down the field, spurring the latest call from fans.
“It was nice to see Jermaine make a play,” Burrow said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I think Jermaine is going to be a good player. He continues to get open, and we’re going to continue that dialogue that quarterbacks and receivers have to have.”
Whatever the real behind-the-scenes reason for Burton’s slow burn, it does seem to vibe that he’s on his way to earning more playing time.
“Continue to find roles for him,” head coach Zac Taylor said, per Hobson. “I thought he did a nice job on some things where he got the ball directed towards him, and some that didn’t even that were completions elsewhere. And so, continue to find ways to progress him along.”
Given the struggles of Andrei Iosivas as the third option, there’s certainly room for Burton to get more chances on the field. Whether that happens, at least partially, will hinge on whether Higgins is available, too.
