The Cincinnati Bengals suddenly have real quarterback intrigue much sooner than expected.
Joe Burrow, out since Week 2 with a Grade 3 turf toe injury that required surgery, has progressed from limited work last week to full participation in practice this week. He has even been taking snaps from starting center Ted Karras while Joe Flacco manages a sore throwing shoulder.
Head coach Zac Taylor has refused to commit to either passer for Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots, keeping the door open for a return that would come earlier than Burrow’s original “Thanksgiving-ish” target.
For a second straight day today, Bengals QB Joe Burrow has been taking snaps with Cincinnati’s starting offense, preparing him for the possibility that he could play Sunday vs. New England. pic.twitter.com/bJxpxvAq3C
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2025
Burrow’s Full Workouts Turn Up Week 12 Heat
Burrow’s jump to full 11 on 11 work is the clearest sign yet that he is closing in on game action. The Bengals opened his 21 day practice window on Nov. 10, and he has quickly gone from limited drills to handling all the first team reps while Flacco rests midweek.
Taylor has praised how Burrow looks and admits he expects his franchise quarterback to push hard to play, yet he keeps repeating that he needs more information before naming a starter.
At 3-7 with a 1-7 record in Burrow’s absence, Cincinnati is in a tricky spot with considering medical caution on Burrow over some real urgency of salvaging a late playoff push.
Joe Burrow isn’t allowed back on the field unless he goes out there looking like this 😂 pic.twitter.com/9y08uexK2g
— Bengals Graphics (@BengalsGraphics) November 19, 2025
Risk, Reward and the Thanksgiving Question
The schedule complicates everything. If Burrow starts in New England, he would likely be asked to play two games in five days, with a Thanksgiving night showdown against the Baltimore Ravens looming in Week 13 and a potential Week 14 return against the Buffalo Bills also on the table.
The Bengals must decide whether it makes more sense to let him shake off rust now or wait for the national stage against a division rival.
Still, with Burrow fully practicing and clearly eager, it feels like only a matter of time before he is under center again, whether that moment comes in Foxboro or under the lights on Thanksgiving.
They told us Joe Burrow’s wrist would never be the same again. He threw for 5000 yards w/ 43 touchdowns & won a passing title a couple months later. pic.twitter.com/fp60WopBzJ
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) November 20, 2025
Photo Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
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