Getty Image / Jermaine Burton
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton proved to be a talented player in college when he could keep his focus on the field. Burton, who started at Georgia before transferring to Alabama, has always struggled with focus and behavior issues.
His talent is hard to deny, and with Tee Higgins inactive for the Bengals in today’s game, he had an opportunity to break out. But, Jermaine Burton blew that opportunity by skipping team walkthrough just hours before the game.
Burton, whom the Bengals used a third round pick on in April, has had just 2 catches for 88 yards and hasn’t really been part of the Bengals offense in a deep receiver room. Part of that is that he needs to grow up and mature, as well as the adjustment any rookie goes through. Plus, the Bengals have a good receiver room when it’s healthy.
But, Sunday was expected to be an opportunity for Jermaine Burton. That is, until he completely blew it. Multiple NFL insiders reported that missed the team’s walkthrough on Saturday, hence Burton being surprisingly named an inactive.
Even though the team won easily, beating the Raiders 41-24, Bengals fans were not happy about Jermaine Burton being irresponsible.
Jermaine Burton being a no-show for multiple meetings/walkthroughs this week just days after Zac and Burrow said he was set to finally be a bigger part of the gameplan tells you everything you need to know. The biggest character red flag in the class and the Bengals didn’t care. https://t.co/zol5kdjTnT
— Kelley Peter (@kelleypeter16) November 3, 2024
Am I the only one that is getting pissed 😡 every time they show Jermaine Burton on the sidelines laughing and smiling like he doesn’t have a care in the world?!! Dude 😫 @Bengals
— Cincy Tina (@tgregoryrnemtp) November 3, 2024
After the game, Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor had this to say about the situation.
Zac Taylor on Jermaine Burton: "He was a big part of the plan."
"Late in the week, we've got to handle our business the right way."
"It was the right decision."
"He's going to have a really good career here. We're going to support him. Today was a necessary step for him to…
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) November 3, 2024
Jermaine Burton needs to figure things out if he wants a long NFL career.