Joe Burrow has no thoughts about the LSU, Jayden Daniels number fracas

The sudden and surprising scuffle between Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and LSU over the re-issuance of his number (5) has implicated Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, given that the school has to date honored its vow to not use his number (9) again.

After Thursday night's preseason opener against the Lions, Burrow was asked about the situation. toffler.lol

"I just heard about it a couple hours ago," Burrow said, via Caleb Noe of WCPO. "I don't necessarily have too many thoughts at this time. I just — I don't know enough about the situation to have any thoughts, I would say."

Burrow added that he received a similar promise that LSU wouldn't use his number again.

"They told me that they wouldn’t use it again," Burrow said, "but, you know, you never know — you never know what happens."

Indeed you don't. If, for instance, cornerback DJ Pickett had wanted to wear No. 9 instead of No. 5, former LSU coach Brian Kelly may have made the same promise regarding Burrow's number that was made regarding Daniels's number. (With no apparent intention of honoring it.)

The key here was the coaching change. Lane Kiffin was able to placate Pickett while blaming Kelly for giving his word (directly or indirectly) that Pickett could wear No. 5. What no one expected was the aggressive reaction from Daniels's camp, which ultimately didn't do Daniels (or LSU) any favors.

Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr., who entered a diversion program earlier this year to resolve multiple felonies arising from a February 2026 domestic violence incident, most likely will be suspended by the league before Week 1.

The Falcons, fully aware of what's coming, have seemingly reflected Pearce's status in the team's initial depth chart of the 2026 preseason.

Pearce is listed as a third-stringer, behind Cameron Thomas and Azeez Ojulari. The other starting defensive end is Brandon Dorlus.

The placement surely isn't a reflection of merit. As a rookie in 2025, Pearce had 10.5 sacks and finished third in the voting for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Pearce had been charged with felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for allegedly ramming his ex-girlfriend's vehicle with his car. He also faced felony charges of fleeing and eluding police and resisting an officer with violence, and a misdemeanor count of stalking.

The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy applies a baseline suspension of six games for incidents of domestic violence. The league likely will announce a decision on Pearce's punishment before Week 1.