Joe Burrow inching toward Bengals return with positive practice designation

Joe Burrow could see the field soon. 

The star Bengals quarterback was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, setting up a possible return after two months away. 

Burrow has been sidelined since Sept. 14 after suffering a toe injury against the Jaguars in Cincinnati’s second game of the season and later undergoing surgery. 

Wednesday was the first time Burrow, 28, went through 11-on-11 drills and a full practice since the procedure. 

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks on on the sidelines during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

But there’s still reason to believe Burrow has some ways to go before putting the uniform back on.

Before Wednesday’s practice, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor wouldn’t commit to Burrow playing in Week 12 against the Patriots on Sunday.

“Until we get through some practices, there’s no reason for me to even speculate on that,” Taylor told reporters.

The Bengals will take the field four days later against the AFC North rival Ravens on Thanksgiving, which was the original target date for Burrow’s return when he went down in mid-September. 

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On Nov. 10, when Burrow returned to practice for the first time since the injury, the signal-caller told reporters that it would be “very” meaningful to come back for the Thanksgiving game. 

“We’ll see how these next couple of weeks go,” Burrow said at the time. “We’ll see how it feels. We’ll make a decision when the time comes.”

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, center, is helped off the field after suffering an injury during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Cincinnati. AP

Cincinnati’s playoff chances are teetering, sitting at 3-7 heading into Sunday’s game against the AFC-best Patriots.

The Bengals have won just once in eight games without Burrow. 

Joe Flacco, who was acquired from the Browns in early October, has started the past five games in Burrow’s absence. 

The veteran was limited in Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder injury, but should serve as the Bengals’ starter if Burrow stays sidelined.