Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is optimistic about his chances of being ready to go when the team kicks off the 2021 season.

"I think I'll be ready," Burrow said Thursday on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. "I think I'll be just fine."

The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner suffered a major knee injury in Cincinnati's Week 11 defeat to the Washington Football Team. ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ben Baby reported at the time he tore his left ACL and MCL and sustained "other structural issues."

Not only did that end his 2020 season, but it also raised doubts about his availability for the start of next year. Schefter and Baby noted injuries as bad as Burrows' can require up to a full year of recovery.

This wouldn't be the first time a Bengals quarterback returned far earlier than expected, though.

In 2005, Carson Palmer tore his ACL and MCL and dislocated his kneecap in the Wild Card Round. There were early concerns his NFL career could be in jeopardy. The then-second-year QB ultimately didn't miss a game in 2006.

On Christmas Day, Burrow provided an update on his rehab. He shared a video in which he was able to walk on his own across a room:

Prior to getting hurt, the former LSU star showed why the Bengals made him the No. 1 overall pick this year. He threw for 2,688 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

His injury underscored what has to be a top priority for Cincinnati this offseason. Despite only playing in 10 games, Burrow sacked 32 times, tied for ninth-most in the NFL. Upgrades along the offensive line are a necessity as he approaches his sophomore campaign.