Bengals' Jermaine Burton Shades Usage in Offense: 'Can't Put Myself in the Game'

Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton clearly isn't thrilled with his limited role in the team's offense to this point in the season.

"I can't put myself in the game," he told reporters when asked if he was happy with his approach to the 2024 season. "Personally, I feel like I could have been [making] plays."

Burton also offered more insight into growing more comfortable with quarterback Joe Burrow and the offensive scheme throughout the season:

Burton, a third-round pick out of Alabama at the 2024 NFL draft, has registered two catches for 88 yards this season on five targets. It isn't surprising that he's below superstar Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the depth chart, but perhaps a bit unexpected that wideouts such as Andrei Iosivas (14 catches for 189 yards and three touchdowns) and Trenton Irwin (three catches for 15 yards) have surpassed him in production.

Chase suggested that Burton should grow into the offense more as he continues to develop:

Burrow also suggested that Burton was a player with a lot of upside and noted that "the stuff he's put on tape warrants more playing time for him."

"He played great last week [against the Philadelphia Eagles]," he told reporters Wednesday. "He will take the next step with his knowledge of the game plan, his knowledge of the defense, his knowledge of the offense, the minute details of each route. I think Jermaine's going to be a really good player."

Reading between the lines from Chase and Burrow's comments, it seems as though the Bengals are excited about Burton's talent and upside but don't feel he's fully grasped the offense or finer details necessary to be a fully trusted, regular contributor just yet.

That isn't necessarily an indictment on Burton—he's still a rookie. But it would explain why he's yet to become a bigger part of the offense.