Bengals Joe Burrow (9) returns to practice on Monday November 10, 2025.
Joe Burrow, the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, may return to action sooner than expected. Initially believed to be sidelined for the entire season due to a turf toe injury sustained in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recent developments suggest he could be back within two months. During an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up” on November 16, 2023, sports analyst Adam Schefter provided an update on Burrow’s status, indicating that his participation in practice could set the stage for a return as early as this weekend against the New England Patriots.
Schefter noted that Burrow was a full participant in practice, while his backup, Joe Flacco, was limited due to a sprained AC joint in his shoulder. This shift in practice designations hints at Burrow’s potential to reclaim his starting role. “The big story on Wednesday was the Bengals listing Joe Burrow as a full participant in practice,” Schefter stated. “If the starting quarterback is a full participant and the backup is limited, that would lead you to believe that there’s a chance on Sunday that Joe Burrow will be the full-time starter.”
Burrow underwent surgery for his injury on September 19, 2023, and the Bengals (3-7) have struggled in his absence, losing seven of eight games. With the team in desperate need of revitalization, Burrow’s return could significantly impact their performance over the final stretch of the season. The Bengals are scheduled to face the Patriots on November 19, 2023, followed by matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, making each game crucial for their playoff hopes.
Schefter pointed out the broader implications of Burrow’s potential return, stating, “I wonder if, with Burrow’s return… would elevate the 32nd-ranked defense? The return would provide some sort of spark.” His comeback could not only boost the Bengals but also influence the dynamics of the AFC, particularly for teams like the Patriots and the Bills, who are also fighting for playoff positioning.
While Burrow’s full readiness for the game against New England remains uncertain, the developments over the past few days have fueled optimism among Bengals fans. His return could provide the spark Cincinnati needs to turn around its season and impact the playoff race in the competitive AFC landscape.
As the Bengals prepare for their upcoming game, all eyes will be on Burrow’s health and readiness. Whether he takes the field this weekend or in the following weeks, his presence will be critical for a team aiming to salvage its season in the final seven weeks of play.
