Joe Burrow's latest medical news has major implications for the Bengals and the AFC North

The Cincinnati Bengals started the week with great news.  Quarterback Joe Burrow has reportedly been cleared for full contact and can participate in the preseason games.

Burrow's clean bill of health puts the Bengals on a positive footing to start training camp.  It could also be considered an advantage for the team considering its AFC North foes have serious quarterback question marks.

The Baltimore Ravens are temporarily without quarterback Lamar Jackson who was sent home from training camp with an illness.

The Cleveland Browns' starter, Deshaun Watson, is returning from a major shoulder injury and surgery so it is unclear if he will begin training camp cleared for all activity as Burrow was.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a quarterback competition at this year's training camp.  Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will compete to be QB1.

Having a designated and healty QB1 to start training camp is a definite advantage to get the season's preparations started immediately and to keep a leg up on the divisional foes who may not be getting off to such a quick start.