Ki-Jana Carter, Carson Palmer and now, unfortunately for the Bengals it’s Joe Burrow. Cincinnati’s last three No. 1 overall picks have all sustained serious knee injuries early on in their careers.
Carter shredded his ACL on the third carry of his first preseason game, Palmer’s severe knee injury happened during the postseason in his third year and Burrow’s devastating knee injury occurred in his 10th NFL game.
Carter never regained his explosiveness. Palmer earned a Pro Bowl invitation the very next season and enjoyed a lengthy NFL career. The Bengals are hoping for a Palmer-like rebound for Burrow.