After Justin Herbert signed his big money contract with the Los Angeles Chargers less than 48 hours ago, everyone in the NFL knew which player would be next to get paid. That would be Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

While Burrow remained patient with contract negotiations, the organization felt their hearts skip a beat Thursday during a training camp practice when Burrow went down with a non-contact leg injury. Initially, it looked bad.

Watch the play below:

Joe Burrow pulls up with a lower right leg injury. pic.twitter.com/XTDHwG7klD

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 27, 2023

As Burrow was carted off the field, everyone thought the worst. A non-contact leg injury which could equate in a lengthy stint on Injured Reserve, or the end of his season before it even began.

After the practice was over Bengals coach Zac Taylor spoke with media and said the injury was a “calf” and they would know more after more tests are run.

Zac Taylor says wait and see on Joe Burrow right leg injury Thursday at Bengals camp. pic.twitter.com/Y7ec4fEsxL

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 27, 2023

While it looks like the Bengals might have dodged a major bullet, there is a chance Burrow could miss a good portion of training camp and the preseason if the injury to his gastrocnemius (calf) is deemed to be severe.

If the Bengals are truly out of the proverbial woods, it would be behind them hearing there is nothing wrong with the knee, or the Achilles tendon, both injuries could end the season for the talented quarterback who has yet to cash in on his second NFL contract.

As for the rest of the NFL, and AFC, they wait to see what the future holds for Burrow and the Bengals.