Joe Burrow has not experienced any setbacks since returning to practice two weeks ago. The Bengals have not yet activated him from injured reserve, but they appear very close to doing so. 
When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Zac Taylor said (via ESPN’s Ben Baby) the plan is for Burrow to play on Thanksgiving against the Ravens. A return in time for Week 12 was seen as a possibility at one point, but the team elected to start Joe Flacco one more time. Flacco is now set for backup duties to close out the season.
Burrow pushed to return in time for yesterday’s game, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated notes. The team’s schedule proved to be a critical factor in Cincinnati’s decision-making, however. To little surprise, Breer adds the Bengals kept Burrow inactive for Week 12 knowing they had a quick turnaround. Provided the coming days go well, Cincinnati’s starter will be back in the fold.
Having lost to the Patriots on Sunday, the Bengals sit at just 3-8 on the year. A third straight season outside of the playoffs is very likely as a result. Once Burrow returned to practice, though, it became clear he would suit up for the closing stages of the season regardless of Cincinnati’s record. The two-time Comeback Player of the Year will look to give the team a lift on offense even with a postseason berth essentially out of reach.
Scoring has not always been an issue during Flacco’s tenure atop the QB depth chart, but the Bengals sit 18th in the NFL in scoring and 23rd in yards per game through Week 12. Of course, defensive improvement will be needed if the Bengals are to make progress in the standing down the stretch; the team ranks last in points and yards allowed. A healthy Burrow could help the compensate for ongoing issues on that side of the ball.
The former No. 1 pick’s career has included numerous major injuries, but he secured a $55MM-per-year extension in 2023. Given Burrow’s compensation, an argument could be made in favor of the Bengals sitting him for the rest of 2025 and ensuring full health for next year. Instead, he will suit up for (if all goes according to plan) Cincinnati’s final six games.
In other injury news, Taylor added (via Baby) Trey Hendrickson‘s hip injury will sideline him for at least one more game. Last year’s sack leader is out for Week 13, as is receiver Tee Higgins (who suffered a concussion yesterday). The Bengals’ offense will not be a full strength on Thanksgiving as a result, but Burrow is on track to lead the unit.