Joe Burrow injury update: Could the Bengals QB return to play Sunday against the Patriots?

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is back on the practice field. After undergoing season-saving wrist surgery in early October, Burrow’s recovery has reportedly progressed faster than expected. Head Coach Zac Taylor didn’t give a definitive answer when asked about Burrow playing in Week 12 against the Patriots, “We don’t know yet,” he said. But that’s not a no and fans are excited.

While fans are understandably eager to see No. 9 back in the huddle, the Bengals are taking a careful approach. Burrow’s return is now a matter of when, not if, but that “when” just got a little nearer to the present.

Burrow back in practice and looking sharp

Burrow is back to practicing fully and some NFL analysts are convinced that he will start on Sunday against the Patriots.

“[Joe Burrow] is gonna start,” Dan Orlovsky said on ESPN on Wednesday. “I mean there’s no way he’s practicing fully today if he’s not gonna start on Sunday.”

The Bengals, currently sitting at 3–7, need all the help they can get to stay afloat in a tightly packed AFC North. Burrow acknowledged as much.

Realistic return timeline: Nov. 23? or Thanksgiving - Week 13 vs Ravens

Technically, Burrow could be activated at any point within that 21-day window. At this point it’s hard to tell, but one thing’s for sure, the Bengals aren’t going to risk putting Burrow in harm’s way if he’s not at 100 percent.

Depth chart holding steady (for now)

Until Burrow returns, the Bengals’ quarterback depth chart remains:

1. Joe Flacco
2. Jake Browning
3. Sean Clifford

Flacco, who joined Cincinnati midseason, has been dealing with minor soreness in his throwing arm but remains the expected starter for Week 12. Browning took some first-team reps during the bye, while Clifford remains the emergency third option on gamedays.

The Bengals’ passing attack has understandably struggled since Burrow went down. Without his trademark precision and pocket poise, Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league in red-zone efficiency and third-down conversion rate.

Bengals’ current playoff odds

The Bengals’ playoff odds aren’t great. ESPN’s Football Power Index currently gives them a 2.1% chance to make the postseason. Still, the AFC North hasn’t been as dominant as usual, leaving a small opening if Burrow can return to his old form.

A 5–7 record heading into December would at least keep the Bengals in mathematical contention. Anything worse, and the franchise may decide to prioritize Burrow’s long-term health over a late-season push.

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