Joe Burrow Returns to Practice in Limited Role After Two-Month Absence

CINCINNATI — For the first time since Week 2, Joe Burrow was back on the practice field. The Bengals’ star quarterback, sidelined since mid-September after undergoing surgery to repair a turf toe injury in his left foot, participated in limited drills Monday as part of his recovery plan.

The Bengals placed Burrow on injured reserve on September 16, and his return to practice opens a 21-day window during which he can work out with the team without counting toward the 53-man roster. Head coach Zac Taylor said Burrow will not play in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but confirmed that his progress is on track.

“I think he’s at a good point,” Taylor told reporters before Monday’s session. “He’s worked hard to get to this stage where he can get back on the field, even in a limited form. We’ll keep evaluating him week to week.”

While Burrow participated in some individual work and light throwing drills, he did not take part in 11-on-11 team periods. The plan, according to Taylor, is to gradually increase his workload as his conditioning and foot strength improve, with the possibility of joining full-team drills as early as next week.

1. Burrow’s Absence Leaves Cincinnati Searching for Stability

Burrow’s injury has defined Cincinnati’s season. The Bengals have lost six of their last seven games since his Week 2 exit against Jacksonville, dropping to 3-6 and falling near the bottom of the AFC standings. The offense, once built around Burrow’s precision and poise, has struggled to find consistency in his absence. Backup quarterback Jake Browning started the next three games but was unable to generate sustained offensive success. In early October, Cincinnati traded for veteran Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, hoping his experience could stabilize the team. The 39-year-old has since provided a spark, averaging a league-best 313.5 passing yards per game across four starts. Despite Flacco’s production, the Bengals’ record reflects how much they’ve missed Burrow’s leadership and ability to control games late. The offense has moved the ball but struggled in critical moments — a recurring theme that underscores Burrow’s value beyond statistics. Burrow, who signed a five-year, $275 million extension before the season, is viewed as the franchise cornerstone and emotional leader. His return to practice represents not just a medical milestone, but also a potential turning point for a team desperate to regain direction.

2. Injury Concerns Extend Beyond the Quarterback

While Burrow’s return is a welcome development, the Bengals are still dealing with significant injury concerns elsewhere — most notably to All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Taylor said Monday that Hendrickson is “doubtful” to play against Pittsburgh due to a lingering hip injury first suffered on October 26 against the Jets. The injury sidelined Hendrickson for the second half of the Week 6 matchup with Green Bay and forced him to miss the following game against the Steelers. He has been battling soreness and limited mobility since, and the team continues to take a cautious approach with his recovery. Hendrickson, one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers, has recorded four sacks and a forced fumble this season after back-to-back campaigns of 17.5 sacks. His absence has weakened a defense that relies heavily on his ability to pressure quarterbacks and set the edge against the run. With both their franchise quarterback and top pass rusher recovering from injuries, the Bengals face a critical stretch in which the coaching staff must balance competitiveness with long-term health. Cincinnati’s upcoming games could determine whether the team remains in playoff contention or begins planning for 2026.

3. The Road Ahead for Cincinnati

For now, the Bengals are treating Burrow’s return as a positive step rather than a full comeback. Taylor emphasized that the organization will prioritize Burrow’s long-term health over short-term results, especially given the nature of the injury and his importance to the franchise. Burrow’s reintegration into practice allows him to reconnect with key offensive teammates like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, helping preserve chemistry that has been difficult to maintain during his absence. Coaches also view these limited sessions as an opportunity to rebuild his rhythm and test how his foot responds under light football movements. If his recovery continues without setbacks, Burrow could return to the lineup before season’s end — though the Bengals have not committed to a timeline. Whether that happens may depend on how the team fares over the next few weeks. For now, Cincinnati will continue to rely on Joe Flacco while carefully monitoring its injured stars. With both Burrow and Hendrickson making progress, there remains cautious optimism that the Bengals can finish the season stronger than they began it.