Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made a significant stride towards his return to the field by fully participating in practice on November 29, 2023. This marks the first time Burrow has been 100 percent during practice since suffering a turf toe injury on September 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also engaged in 11-on-11 drills, a key step in his rehabilitation process.
Currently, Burrow is in a 21-day window that allows him to participate in practice without being on the active roster. Head coach Zac Taylor addressed the possibility of Burrow starting in the upcoming game against the New England Patriots. He advised against speculation, emphasizing the importance of observing Burrow’s progress in practice before making any decisions. “Until we get through some practices, there’s no reason for me to even speculate on that,” Taylor stated.
Burrow’s Recovery Timeline and Team Performance
Burrow has expressed interest in returning by Thanksgiving, following a recovery that included surgery and caused him to miss the last seven games. Cincinnati, currently holding a 3-7 record, has struggled significantly, losing seven of its last eight matchups. They enter the game against the Patriots, who have an impressive 9-2 record and share the top position in the AFC, under considerable pressure.
When asked about his potential return, Burrow did not disclose a specific timeline. Previously, he indicated that the team’s performance could influence his decision to return. Taylor noted, “Right now, he’s of the mindset that he wants to play football for us. We’ll just continue to get through his rehab progression and see where that ends up before we make any decision on how we want to proceed.”
Joe Flacco’s Role as Burrow’s Stand-In
In Burrow’s absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has started the last five games after being acquired in a trade. Flacco has been managing a sprained right shoulder, an injury sustained during a loss to the New York Jets on October 26. Despite the setback, Flacco has demonstrated resilience, completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,453 yards, with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions over his tenure with the Bengals.
As the team approaches the possibility of Burrow returning, Flacco acknowledged that the thought of it being his last scheduled start in Cincinnati has crossed his mind. “It’s in your head a little bit to a certain extent,” Flacco mentioned. “But I really am not that concerned with it.” He emphasized his focus on preparation rather than speculation about his future.
Flacco’s performance has improved since joining the Bengals, strengthening his belief in his capabilities as a starting quarterback for the future. He remarked, “Hopefully it reinforces it in somebody’s mind that I can do it. I still feel like I can do it.” Looking ahead, Flacco’s one-year contract is nearing its conclusion, adding further intrigue to his position within the team.
As the Bengals prepare for their upcoming matchup, the return of Burrow remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The team’s ability to rally amidst adversity will be crucial as they look to turn their season around against a formidable Patriots squad.
