(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Joe Burrow’s return appears imminent as Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he anticipates the franchise quarterback playing Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow has missed Cincinnati’s past nine games after undergoing surgery for a Grade 3 turf toe injury suffered in Week 2. He practiced fully twice last week and continued working without setbacks, prompting the Bengals to waive reserve quarterback Sean Clifford on Monday. Burrow’s social media post — an old photo of him wearing a LeBron James jersey captioned “He’s back” — further fueled expectations that his season will resume in Baltimore.
Cincinnati Balances Urgency with Long-Term Caution
Taylor held off on making a definitive announcement with only one practice scheduled this week, but the coach noted that Burrow’s conditioning, timing, and mental preparation all trended upward during the past two weeks. Veteran Joe Flacco, who replaced Burrow during his recovery, will shift into the backup role. The Bengals went 1-5 under Flacco after losing three straight with Jake Browning, a slide that dropped Cincinnati to 3-8 entering Week 13. Despite long playoff odds — ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Cincinnati a 1% chance — Burrow remains determined to play so long as he is physically capable.
Locker Room Boosted by Burrow’s Commitment
Burrow’s drive to return has had a clear impact on the team. Defensive coordinator Al Golden called the quarterback’s recovery process “inspiring,” while running back Chase Brown described the anticipation around Burrow’s return as a “Dark Knight rises” moment for the roster. Burrow himself admitted the significance of returning to Baltimore, the site where a previous season ended early due to a wrist injury. His comeback this time marks the first occasion he has been able to return midseason from injured reserve.
Bengals Still Managing Multiple Injuries Ahead of Ravens Showdown
Burrow won’t be the only key Bengal back on Thursday. Ja’Marr Chase returned from his one-week suspension for spitting on Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey, and running back Samaje Perine is pushing toward availability after a Week 9 hip-drop tackle injury. Cincinnati will still be short-handed, however. Tee Higgins and running back Tahj Brooks remain in concussion protocol, and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson will miss his fourth straight game with a hip injury. Regardless of the depth chart challenges, Taylor and the Bengals expect Burrow’s return to steady an offense searching for rhythm and a team still fighting to stay competitive down the stretch.
