AFC Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals QB Joe Burrow said he has three months remaining on his rehab from a torn ACL and is confident he’ll be ready for Week 1 without any setbacks. 

“Good. Really good,” Burrow said, via Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Happy with where it’s at. Still got a ways to go. Still got about three months left for the rehab. But I’ll be ready to go for the season as long as there’s no setbacks. Right now, it’s looking good.”

Last month, Burrow mentioned that his knee was about “85 percent” recovered. He said on Tuesday that his status is still “about the same” but expects to ramp up ahead of training camp. 

“About the same. We were still working that rehab throughout the whole offseason, meaning throughout OTAs, but couldn’t do as much as usual just because of practice, fatigue, all that. So we’ll ramp that back up now and get back to 100 percent before camp,” said Burrow. 

Bengals HC Zac Taylor said they are taking a “very guarded” approach with Burrow but that the quarterback was able to make some throws in 7-on-7 drills. 

“Certainly, very guarded in our approach there. I think he’s done a great job. He looks good, certainly not all the way there yet, so there’s still a process we have to follow leading into training camp, but you guys have been out there. I think everybody’s optimistic,” Taylor said. “I think he really enjoyed getting out there. It was probably good for him to get the jersey on, put the helmet back on and get in the huddle and call plays, just to be able to throw the ball and see coverages in 7-on-7, so I would say – obviously, I didn’t want to make any predictions before the offseason program, but he’s in a really good spot.”

Ravens

• Ravens HC John Harbaugh said the competition is “wide open” for the starting left guard job. (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Harbaugh added that the Ravens have given several players first-team reps and praised Ben Powers, Ben Cleveland, and Tyre Phillips at the position.
• Although Harbaugh said they wouldn’t rule out another veteran free-agent addition, the coach said he’s not “too worried” about any position thus far: “I’m not too worried about any spot on our team.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Harbaugh does not think Ravens QB Lamar Jackson‘s looming contract discussion will be a distraction: “Lamar understands what’s important. Look what he’s done. He’s going to get paid and he knows that.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Harbaugh insisted that Jackson is more concerned with his “legacy” in the NFL. (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Jackson mentioned that they have been emphasizing the “deep pass” this offseason and he wants to be “more consistent” on downfield throws.  (Jamison Hensley)
• Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey feels there’s been a “major energy change” around Baltimore’s receivers group: “Everybody has come back and stepped up their game a lot. It’s been a really good OTAs for a lot of those guys. It will be a much different year than what we’ve seen in the past.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Harbaugh noted Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley is rehabbing well from his ankle injury and should be ready for the season. (Jeff Zrebiec)
• Ravens DT Calais Campbell said when he was younger he wanted to play 15 seasons, and this year will be his 14th in the league. (Zrebiec)
• Ravens DT Brandon Williams compared RB J.K. Dobbins to former NBA PG Muggsy Bogues: “He’s fast, shifty — hard to catch him.” (Jamison Hensley)

Steelers

• Steelers CB Joe Haden said he wants “no part” of playing the slot corner role vacated by CB Mike Hilton: “Honestly, I don’t want no part of the slot.” (Brooke Pryor)
• Haden added that Steelers CB Cam Sutton‘s “versatility” will help their secondary.
• Haden said he was a bit surprised when the Steelers parted ways with CB Steven Nelson: “I was a little surprised but it’s a business thing. I think it had a lot to do with cap numbers. We’re older players and had one year left on our deals. … it was a business decision. Steve is a baller.” (Brooke Pryor)