Burrow’s Return Nears as Bengals Monitor QB’s Progress in Week 12

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow continues to move closer to rejoining the active roster after spending eight weeks sidelined with a turf toe injury. The franchise centerpiece has not played since Week 2, leaving the Bengals in a difficult stretch that dramatically shifted their season trajectory. His absence has magnified Cincinnati’s offensive limitations and put pressure on the team’s depth at quarterback.

Burrow was injured early in the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, halting what was expected to be a strong follow-up to his career-best 2024 campaign. Without him, Cincinnati has endured an extended downturn, winning just once in the eight games played since. The organization has repeatedly emphasized caution with Burrow’s recovery, but Thursday brought their most encouraging signal yet.

During practice, Burrow participated in pre-practice exchange drills alongside starting center Ted Karras—a meaningful step because it reflects work typically reserved for quarterbacks nearing a return to full-speed reps. Reporters noted that veteran Joe Flacco handled exchanges with backup center Lucas Patrick, underscoring the structured separation of roles during Burrow’s ramp-up.

While there remains no official timetable for his activation from injured reserve, Thursday’s development adds to growing optimism that Burrow could return sometime this season. Cincinnati has held the door open for that possibility, hoping his presence can stabilize an offense that has struggled throughout the fall.

1. Progress in Recovery

Burrow’s participation in practice marks yet another milestone in his effort to return from the turf toe injury suffered in Week 2. The ailment initially carried uncertainty about whether it would require a lengthy absence or potential season-ending considerations. Instead, Burrow has steadily advanced through the benchmarks the medical staff set for him. His involvement in the pre-practice exchange with Karras is particularly notable. Those drills are normally reserved for quarterbacks preparing for active work in team sessions or nearing positional clearance. For Burrow, it represents his most visible involvement in team activities since being placed on injured reserve, adding momentum to the idea of a late-season return. Prior to the injury, Burrow completed 21 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, a modest early-season showing but one that followed his explosive 2024 year—finishing with nearly 5,000 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. While the injury derailed his rhythm, the Bengals continue to express confidence that he can return to form when fully healthy. Though Thursday’s practice was limited in scope, the Bengals view each step as a necessary part of rebuilding Burrow’s workload. The team has not ruled out his return this year, and his visible progress strengthens the case that he could suit up before the season concludes.

2. Cincinnati’s Struggles Without Burrow

The Bengals have been unable to sustain success without their star quarterback, a pattern that has repeated ever since their 2021 run to the Super Bowl. Cincinnati missed the postseason in back-to-back campaigns in 2023 and 2024, and their struggles this year threaten to extend that streak to three seasons. After starting the year 2-0, the Bengals collapsed once Burrow was sidelined, going 1-7 in the eight games that followed. Backup Jake Browning was unable to stabilize the offense, prompting Cincinnati to acquire Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The veteran has delivered mixed results, completing 135 passes for 1,453 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions across five starts. Despite Flacco’s experience and occasional flashes, the Bengals have not been able to overcome inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. Burrow’s absence magnified the team’s lack of margin for error, particularly in a competitive AFC North where every loss carries significant weight. The coaching staff acknowledges that the team’s postseason hopes narrow each week Burrow remains out. While Cincinnati remains mathematically alive, the Bengals will need to find stability quickly—and Burrow’s potential return may be the only realistic path to reinvigorating the offense.

3. Current Standing and What’s Ahead

Cincinnati enters Week 12 with a 3-7 record, sitting third in the AFC North ahead of the Browns but behind the Ravens and Steelers. Their position in the broader AFC picture is similarly challenging, ranking 12th in the conference as they attempt to stay within striking distance of the playoff race. The Bengals’ offensive inconsistency, combined with defensive lapses, has contributed to their slide down the standings. With injuries affecting multiple positions, the team has struggled to maintain the efficiency and explosiveness that defined its peak seasons under Burrow. As the Bengals prepare for their next matchup—a home game against the New England Patriots on November 23—they continue to hold out hope for a late-season spark. Coaches and players have emphasized the importance of staying competitive regardless of personnel uncertainty, but Burrow’s recovery remains the central storyline shaping their outlook. Even if Burrow does not return immediately, his presence at practices and gradual increase in activity provide a boost to the team. Cincinnati’s season has been defined by adversity, and the possibility of their franchise quarterback taking the field again offers some renewed optimism amid a challenging stretch.