Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are slim. But signs are pointing to the return of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow from toe surgery.
Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday’s Bengals practice for the first time since undergoing toe surgery to repair a Grade 3 turf toe injury sustained in Week 2. His injury replacement, Joe Flacco, meanwhile, was listed as limited with a shoulder injury.
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It’s not immediately clear if Burrow will play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. But his practice status is a positive update regarding his health.
The Bengals designated Burrow to return from injured reserve last week, opening up a 21-day practice window in which they can promote him to the active roster. He could return this week against the Patriots or in Week 12 against the Ravens on Thanksgiving if Cincinnati ultimately determines that it’s worth bringing him back this season.
As of the time of Wednesday’s practice report, neither Burrow nor head coach Zac Taylor had spoken about his status.
Joe Burrow is back at Bengals practice as a full participant.
(Michael Owens via Getty Images)
Should Bengals bring Burrow back?
After a 2-0 start, the Bengals have fallen to 3-7 with just one win since Burrow’s injury. That leaves them in third place ahead of the 2-8 Browns in the AFC North and in 12th place out of 16 teams in the AFC playoff picture for seven postseason spots. They’ll need to win most if not all of their remaining seven games to contend for a spot in the postseason.
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Burrow’s return would obviously increase the long-shot likelihood that they do, which would appear to be the thought process if he does return to play this week.
After the Patriots and Ravens, the Bengals are scheduled to play the Bills, Ravens again, Dolphins, Cardinals and Browns. If the Bengals are going to have any reasonable hope of reaching the playoffs, they’ll need Burrow on the field for their difficult upcoming four-game stretch.
If Burrow does return Sunday, he won’t play with top target Ja’Marr Chase, who’s suspended for one game after spitting on Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey in Week 11.
