Joe Burrow Nears Return with the Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is one step closer to returning to action on the field. Burrow fully participated in Wednesday’s practice, according to the team’s injury report. It’s the first time the Pro Bowl quarterback has been 100% in practice since suffering a toe injury on September 14 against Jacksonville. Wednesday also marked the first time Burrow did 11-on-11 drills in his return to practice. He is still in the middle of a 21-day period that allows him to participate without being on the active roster.Before practice, Bengals coach Zac Taylor was asked if Burrow could potentially start in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Taylor ruled out the idea.
Burrow has targeted Thanksgiving as a possible return date from the injury that required surgery and has caused him to miss the last seven games. After practice, Burrow did not offer any indication as to what his schedule might look like. When Burrow spoke with reporters last week, he indicated that the team’s record could influence whether or not he returns. Cincinnati has lost seven of its last eight games and is on a three-game losing streak before Sunday’s home game against the Patriots (9-2), who are tied for the best record in the AFC. Joe Flacco, who has been the starter in the last five games since being acquired via a trade, had limitations due to a sprain in his right shoulder. The 40-year-old veteran has been playing with the injury since he suffered it towards the end of the team’s Week 9 loss against the New York Jets on October 26. In the last two games, the team has managed Flacco’s workload at the beginning of the week. Given Burrow’s timeline, this raises the possibility that Sunday could be Flacco’s last scheduled start in Cincinnati. Flacco said that while he hasn’t dwelled on the idea, it has crossed his mind.Until we go through some practices, there is no reason to speculate about that.
Zac Taylor
After a difficult start to the season with the Cleveland Browns, Flacco has flourished in Cincinnati, even with a throwing shoulder injury. Despite a win in five games, Flacco has completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Flacco is in the final stretch of a one-year contract. He said that his time with the Bengals has strengthened his belief in being a starting quarterback in 2026.It’s in your head to a certain extent, but it doesn’t really concern me that much. I think as long as I keep working and preparing like I am, and then act like I don’t care, that will be best for me.
Joe Flacco
Hopefully, it reinforces in someone’s mind that I can do it. I still want to do it. I still feel like I can do it. This obviously helps with the confidence of being able to do it and all that. I’d like to get an opportunity, but you never know.
Joe Flacco
