Joe Burrow’s return to practice on Monday was a big surprise for the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow had been sidelined since Sept. 14 when he suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury during the first half of a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The superstar quarterback, who underwent surgery on Sept. 19, has missed a total of seven games since being placed on injured reserve and Cincinnati has gone 1-6 in those games. His time on IR is about to end, as the Bengals activated his 21 day practice window. Burrow will be able to practice up until Dec. 1, without counting towards the team’s 53 man roster.
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The Bengals must decide whether to add him to their active roster once December 1 arrives. The Bengals can add him at any time before December 1, but if they don’t activate him by then, he won’t be able to play for the rest the season. In light of this, let’s look at the possible return dates for Burrow. Week 11: Bengals vs SteelersAlthough Burrow has been practicing this week, it is unlikely that he will be playing in this AFC North matchup. Zac Taylor was very clear about this during his Monday press conference.
Taylor told Burrow that they were not planning to play him on Sunday. He has the 21-day period that we’ve activated. So the timeline will go beyond this coming week.Joe Flacco’s fifth start will be possible with Burrow not playing. Flacco may be 1-3 but that doesn’t mean you can blame him for the losses. The veteran quarterback has racked up some big numbers. This includes 342 yard and three touchdowns thrown in a win of 33-31 over the Steelers during Week 7. Burrow will not play against the Steelers. Week 12: Patriots at Bengals It seems highly unlikely that Burrow will play against New England. Taylor said Burrow “will inch his way forward” for the next two weeks. This makes it sound as if the Bengals don’t plan to play Burrow in Week 12.
Taylor stated, “This is only Day 1.” We’ll start on Day 1. Just get out there and at least throw air routes to the receivers, then start moving forward. This is a wonderful opportunity to help him progress in the next few weeks.”It seems like the Bengals are waiting to see Burrow’s performance for at least two weeks before they make any decision about whether or not he will play. Taylor said, “We will get through the first week. Then we’ll move on to next week. We’ll see what happens after that.”
Burrow, when asked about his return date at a Monday press conference, said that he wanted to practice for “a couple of weeks” before he made an official return. The quarterback told reporters that the team has 21 days to decide. It could be too early or too late for that window. This injury is still relatively new. We have two weeks to see how it turns out.”VERDICT Burrow will almost certainly not play against New England. Week 13: Bengals vs RavensThis game should be circled on your calendar because Burrow seems to be targeting it for a potential return. Burrow stated on Monday that this AFC North matchup will be played on Thanksgiving, November 27. He would love to play on the field. When asked about the significance of his return to play against the Ravens during this prime-time game, Burrow gave only one word as an answer.
Burrow responded, “Yes,” saying:
Burrow played some of the best games of his career against the Ravens. In a 41 to 38 loss to Baltimore last season, Burrow threw for a total of 492 yards with five touchdowns. In their second encounter, he was nearly as impressive with 428 yards and five touchdowns. If Burrow returns, this game will become a must-see on Thanksgiving. Burrow will likely play if his toe cooperates. Week 14: Bengals vs BillsIf Burrow doesn’t feel comfortable enough to be back in Week 13 against Ravens, then he can wait one week to face the Bills. Burrow could wait until Week 14 to play against the Bills if he doesn’t feel comfortable enough to return in Week 13 against the Ravens.
Burrow’s return would require the Bengals to stay afloat for at least three more weeks. That would probably mean going 2-1 with the Steelers and Ravens. It wouldn’t be impossible, but neither would it be easy. Verdict: It is unlikely that he starts here for the first time, but it is not impossible. Thanksgiving is not a given and he could not come back at all. Burrow stated that there are many variables, and his health is the most important. Another factor is whether or not the Bengals have a realistic chance of earning a playoff spot. Burrow’s return is unlikely if the Bengals have no chance of making the playoffs and are 3-6. Burrow, when asked on Monday whether the record of the team would be a factor in his decision about a potential return, largely avoided the question.
Burrow said, “We’ll watch how the next two weeks unfold.” “We’ll have to see how we feel.” We’ll decide when it is time.This makes the Bengals’ game this week against the Steelers an absolute must-win. They will be three games behind the leaders with only seven games to go. They’ll only be one point out of the lead if they win. The AFC North will suddenly become very open. Burrow’s desire to return to the field stems from his belief that the Bengals are still capable of winning their division. Burrow stated that the division was wide open. Pittsburgh is 5-4. We play them this coming week. All the information is in front us. It is rare for our division to look like this but that’s what it did this year. “I think we’ll at least be in it till the end.”
According to his comments, he intends to play this season as long as his toe is able to handle it and the Bengals stand a chance of winning the AFC North.
2025-11-11 14:07:09
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