The Cincinnati Bengals finally received the update they wanted most: the Joe Burrow return is officially in motion.
Cincinnati opened the 21-day window to activate their franchise quarterback from injured reserve, and Burrow practiced in a limited capacity. He stopped short of a guarantee, but acknowledged Thanksgiving night at the Baltimore Ravens is a target after last year’s season-ending wrist injury at the same stadium.
For now, Zac Taylor confirmed Burrow will not face the Pittsburgh Steelers this week as the team ramps him up.
Burrow back on the field, Thanksgiving return on the table
Burrow said his status will depend on how his left big toe responds to running, cutting, and quick stops over the next couple of weeks. He threw routes on air and tested different footwear with added cleat hardware but avoided 11-on-11 work.
The Bengals always circled this week for a limited practice return following Burrow’s September surgery for a Grade 3 turf toe suffered in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Internally, a late-November timeline remains realistic, which keeps a Joe Burrow return for Week 13 in play.
A major development for the #Bengals: QB Joe Burrow is returning to practice.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2025
A little under two months after toe surgery, Burrow has his practice window opened, and he’ll be limited. Still on Injured Reserve, he has 21 days to be activated. A December return is real. pic.twitter.com/KqkFZwMsya
Cincinnati has gone 1-6 since Burrow went down, even as the offense found a groove with Joe Flacco. Over the last three games, the Bengals are near the top of the league in scoring while the defense has struggled, dropping shootouts to the New York Jets and Chicago Bears.
Burrow praised Flacco’s accuracy and timing and said the offensive line and run game have surged, but he also noted the group needs to sync both sides of the ball to keep postseason hopes alive in a crowded AFC North.
What it means for the Bengals’ playoff push
Cincinnati visits the Steelers, then draws the New England Patriots before that Thanksgiving showdown in Baltimore. A successful Joe Burrow return would deliver a jolt to the locker room and the huddle, even if it cannot solve every issue on defense.
It’s been 57 days since he injured his toe.
— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) November 10, 2025
Joe Burrow is back on a practice field.#LFG #WhoDey pic.twitter.com/fXwQdNwmVu
The Bengals believe they will remain in the race as long as they stack wins and get healthier, with their captain trending toward the field at the moment the season needs him most.
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