Joe Burrow May Play Sunday as Bengals Make Final Decision

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow might return to the field this Sunday, much earlier than many expected. He is coming back from surgery for a turf toe injury that happened two months ago, and his progress has surprised the team.

Joe Burrow practiced again on Friday, making it his third straight day on the field. He practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday but was limited on Friday to avoid pushing his foot too hard. The Bengals said this was part of the plan.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Burrow has worked very hard to be ready, but the team still has a big decision to make.

The Bengals are 3-7 and will host the 9-2 New England Patriots in Week 12. The timing is tough because Cincinnati also plays again on Thursday night against division rival Baltimore. That short break makes the decision even harder. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco could start again, but he is also dealing with a right shoulder injury.

Joe Burrow played only the first two games this season before he was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 16. He had surgery on Sept. 19. His 21-day practice window opened on Nov. 10, which means the Bengals must add him to the active roster by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday if they want him available for Sunday’s game.

Taylor said he likes the progress Burrow is making, but the team has to think about both upcoming games.

“Everything is going great,” Taylor said. “But we play Sunday and again Thursday, so we have to think about everything. He has tried to be ready, and we will decide later.”

Wide receiver Tee Higgins said Burrow has looked strong in practice.

“Joe’s been looking good,” Higgins said. “He looked good last week too. I’m happy for him.”

The Bengals now have one day left to choose between being careful or giving the team a big boost by bringing Joe Burrow back. For now, he remains questionable, and fans are waiting to see what happens next.

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