HEADLINES

Giants QB Jaxson Dart Clears Concussion Protocol

November 27th, 2025 at 2:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jameis Winston has started each of the past two games as a fill-in for the Giants. He will return to backup duties in Week 13.

Jaxson Dart has cleared concussion protocol, per a team announcement. That sets the first-round rookie up to return to action on Sunday against the Patriots. Avoiding any further injury-induced absences the rest of the way will be a key goal for team and player in this case.

Including the preseason, Dart has already been evaluated for a concussion four times this year. Concerns about the number he hits he takes during a game have been raised since he took over QB1 duties. As such, few were surprised when Dart suffered a concussion in Week 10. He remained in the multi-step protocol from that point until today.

Dart was a full participant in practice yesterday (h/t ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). That was a clear indication a return in time for Week 13 would be in store. The Giants are still shorthanded on offense, with wideout Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo out for the season. Dart’s return will allow for his development to continue, though, while also giving interim head coach Mike Kafka more time to audition for the full-time gig alongside New York’s QB of the future.

The fate of general manager Joe Schoen is also uncertain at this point, although signs point to him being safe. It was Schoen who traded back into the first round to select Dart in April’s draft, a move which seems to have helped his standing in the organization. A strong finish to the campaign would not move the Giants into postseason contention, but it could offer promise for 2026.

Winston guided New York to close losses against the Packers and Lions during his two starts. Defensive breakdowns remained an issue during that period, prompting the dismissal of DC Shane Bowen. As the team looks to make needed improvements on that side of the ball, Dart will be back in the fold beginning on Sunday.

Lions DE Josh Paschal Will Not Play In 2025

November 27th, 2025 at 1:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

On November 5, Josh Paschal returned to practice for the Lions. The fourth-year defensive end’s 21-day activation window was opened as a result.

Yesterday marked the point at which the Lions needed to activate Paschal from the reserve/NFI list for him to be eligible to play in 2025. As Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network notes, however, that did not take place. Paschal has therefore reverted to season-ending IR and he will not be available this year.

That news will deal a blow to the Lions’ depth along the defensive front. Pachal saw an uptick in usage over the course of his first three seasons in the Motor City, making 10 starts in 2024. The 25-year-old recorded only two sacks but he comfortably set a new career high with 17 QB pressures. Instead of having the opportunity to contribute in that capacity late in 2025, Paschal will remain focused on recovery.

The former second-rounder has been rehabbing from back surgery dating back to the summer. It came as little surprise when he landed on the reserve/NFI list during cutdowns, something which ensured at least a one-month absence during the regular season. Now, though, team and player will proceed knowing Paschal will not be available at any point down the stretch or (if applicable) in the playoffs.

The timing of this development is particularly impactful given the fact Paschal is approaching his first trip to free agency. The Kentucky product’s rookie contract is set to expire in March, and an entire season on the sidelines will obviously deal a major blow to his value. It would come as little surprise if Paschal were to take a one-year pact with Detroit or another team for 2026 with the hopes of delivering a healthy campaign.

Entering their Thanksgiving contest, the Lions ranked mid-pack in several defensive categories. Detroit’s D-line will need to finish the year without any reinforcement on the part of Paschal being in the fold.

Vikings Bring Back QB Desmond Ridder

November 27th, 2025 at 12:06pm CST by Adam La Rose

Desmond Ridder is back in Minnesota. The journeyman quarterback has signed a practice squad deal with the Vikings, per a team announcement.

J.J. McCarthy is in concussion protocol, and today’s news essentially confirms he will (expectedly) miss at least one week. With Carson Wentz sidelined for the remainder of the season, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will get the nod in Week 13. Ridder could very well dress as his backup against the Seahawks.

After Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart changed late in the summer (with Wentz being added as a veteran backup and Sam Howell being traded away), McCarthy’s ankle injury created the need for insurance under center. That resulted in Ridder working out for the Vikings in early September and landing a deal on the active roster. The former third-rounder departed the Raiders in free agency but he was among the Bengals’ final roster cuts at the end of training camp.

Ridder did not wind up seeing any playing time during his brief Minnesota stint. The 26-year-old has not played at all this season. A workout with the 49ers took place in October, but no contract came about as a result. Ridder will now head back to the Vikings at least until McCarthy clears concussion protocol.

During his rookie year, Ridder started the final four games of the season. His showing in that role resulted in a 13-game stretch of starts the following campaign, but the Cincinnati product again put up underwhelming numbers. Ridder made a total of six appearances last season as a member of the Raiders, including one start. In all, he has totaled 18 regular season starts, posting a passer rating of 82.6 along the way.

The Vikings have lost five of six games since their bye week, with poor play under center representing a major problem. It will be interesting to see how Brosmer fares in his NFL debut, but Ridder will give Minnesota a more experienced replacement option if necessary.

Bears Activate CBs Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon From IR

November 27th, 2025 at 11:21am CST by Adam La Rose

When the Bears take on the Eagles in this year’s Black Friday game, they will do so with a pair of notable reinforcements in the secondary. Both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are set to play tomorrow.

Johnson and Gordon will be activated from IR in time for Friday’s game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Both players remained on IR through Week 12. Each have continued to make progress in their respective recoveries, however. As such, they will be available against the Eagles after drawing a questionable designation on the team’s injury report. The moves are now official.

Johnson seemed to be lost for the year after just one game played following his core muscle surgery. He returned to practice roughly two weeks ago, however, setting up an activation in relatively short order. Getting the two-time Pro Bowler back in the fold will represent a major boost for Chicago’s CB room, particularly on the perimeter.

Similarly, Gordon’s return will give the Bears their preferred option in the slot. His practice window opened last week. Gordon inked a three-year, $40MM extension in April, making him (like Johnson) a key figure on defense for Chicago now and into the future. Both starters will look to remain healthy the rest of the way as the Bears (8-3) attempt to maintain their lead in the NFC North.

With that said, takeaways have not been an issue for the team during its shorthanded stretch in the secondary. Chicago’s 16 interceptions lead the NFL, and Nahshon Wright has enjoyed a stellar campaign with five interceptions and 10 pass deflections through 11 games in a first-team role. It will be interesting to see if Wright’s role and playing time are affected with Johnson and Gordon back in the fold.

This news will leave the Bears with three IR activations for the remainder of the regular season. Offensive tackles Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie remain on injured reserve at this time. Bringing one or both of them onto the active roster will leave Chicago near the limit of eight for the campaign.

Rams Claim CB Derion Kendrick; WR Tutu Atwell, CB Ahkello Witherspoon In IR-Return Window

November 27th, 2025 at 10:34am CST by Sam Robinson

NOVEMBER 27: Witherspoon clarified (via Henderson’s colleague Sarah Barshop) his injury was actually a broken scapula, rather than a clavicle. That has allowed for his rehab process to move quicker than anticipated.

NOVEMBER 26: Derion Kendrick is heading back to Los Angeles. After the Seahawks waived the cornerback Tuesday, the Rams made a successful claim to reacquire him.

Additionally, the NFC West-leading team has two players in the IR-return window. The Rams, who have not used any of their eight allotted injury activations this season, designated wideout Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon for return Wednesday. In a corresponding move, however, corner Roger McCreary is now on IR. Los Angeles also signed tight end Nick Vannett from its practice squad.

[RELATED: Injured Reserve Return Tracker]

The Seahawks hoped to circle back to Kendrick via a practice squad spot, per ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson, but this waiver claim will scuttle that. Kendrick played in 10 games as a Seattle reserve this season, intercepting two passes. But the team reduced his playing time and cut the fourth-year player following a mistake on the Titans’ punt-return touchdown in Week 12.

Kendrick has now been cut and claimed twice apiece by NFC West teams this year. The Rams waived him upon setting their initial 53-man roster in August, leading to a Seahawks claim. He now returns to L.A., which has seen cornerback present some health concerns this season.

McCreary heads to IR a month after being acquired from the Titans via trade. The fourth-year cover man must miss at least four games. Witherspoon has missed the past nine Rams contests, dealing with a broken clavicle. Sean McVay, however, expressed optimism Witherspoon and Atwell would return to practice this week.

A sixth-round Rams draftee in 2022, Kendrick started 18 games for the team from 2022-23. He played 76% of the Rams’ 2023 defensive snaps, helping the team back to the playoffs, but suffered an ACL tear before the 2024 season. Kendrick logged a mere 18% snap rate with Seattle this season. The Rams did not make a notable CB move this offseason, seeing a much-rumored Jalen Ramsey return not come to fruition. They did obtain McCreary at the deadline but will now need to make some adjustments after the ex-Titan slot cog suffered a hip injury Sunday.

McCreary has not made an impact as a Ram, seeing all of one defensive snap in four games. The Rams have used Emmanuel Forbes and Cobie Durant as their primary CBs this season, with Darious Williams and Josh Wallace mixing in. Witherspoon started in the two games he played this season, and the 30-year-old defender made 22 starts from 2023-24 with L.A. Witherspoon represents an experienced piece the Rams could redeploy soon, as they make a push for their first No. 1 seed since the Kurt Warner-led 2001 squad went 14-2 en route to Super Bowl XXXVI.

The Rams re-signed Atwell on a one-year, $10MM contract this offseason; he went down with a hamstring injury in October. Atwell has not played since Week 6.

The diminutive wideout has an eye-popping stat line this season, catching four passes but totaling 164 yards on those plays. An 88-yard TD keyed this explosive start. After a 562-yard 2024, Atwell stands to contribute again as a tertiary target alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams down the stretch. Atwell still sits third among Rams WRs in yardage, and with Tyler Higbee on IR, the team could use auxiliary help in a hotly contested NFC West race.

Baker Mayfield Could Play In Week 13; Latest On Other Buccaneers Injuries

November 27th, 2025 at 8:57am CST by Adam La Rose

A loss against the Rams on Sunday dropped the Buccaneers to 6-5. The team faces a number of questions on the injury front entering Week 13, but there are a number of positive developments in that regard.

Baker Mayfield was unable to finish the game in Week 12 after injuring his left (i.e. non-throwing) shoulder. An MRI revealed Mayfield suffered a low-grade AC joint sprain, and as such he could be an option to play against the Cardinals in Week 13. Much of his availability for the game will come down to pain management.

“If it’s gonna hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go,” the third-year Buccaneer said (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine). “But I won’t know that until later in the week of getting practice reps and see how that goes.”

The coming days will be worth watching closely in this case. Tampa Bay has lost three straight games and four of five. The team still sits atop the NFC South, but the 6-6 Panthers loom as a threat to win the division. Having Mayfield – who has a track record of playing through injuries – on the field during the closing stages of the season would be key for the Bucs. They could have reinforcements coming soon as well.

Receiver Chris Godwin returned to the lineup in Week 12, and it was known at that point running back Bucky Irving was close to suiting up as well. Tampa’s lead back has not played since Week 4, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he is expected to play this week. Head coach Todd Bowles has since confirmed (via team reporter Scott Bair) Irving will make his return barring any setbacks during practice. As a rookie, the 23-year-old topped 1,500 scrimmage yards; Irving was also productive early this year before going down.

A return to action in that case will thus provide a notable boost to Tampa Bay’s offense. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes (video link) receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are close to being able to play. Evans has been sidelined since October due to a broken clavicle, while McMillan has yet to suit up in 2025. Having a WR at full strength (including standout rookie Emeka Egbuka, of course) would give the Buccaneers plenty of options in the passing game. Per Garafolo, starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a torn pec. He could manage to play late in the regular season as a result.

Tampa Bay could have several key contributors back in the fold by the end of the campaign. Mayfield’s status will remain uncertain for the time being, but no more than a short absence in his case appears likely. The Bucs’ health down the stretch will make for an interesting story to follow as they look to bounce back from how the past few weeks have gone.

C Frank Ragnow To Unretire, Rejoin Lions

November 26th, 2025 at 10:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

An injury-stricken Lions offensive line will receive a surprise boost. Frank Ragnow is set to come out of retirement, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms.

The former Pro Bowl center retired after the 2024 season, one that featured him play through a significant injury. With the Lions down multiple pieces up front, an impact player is coming back. This week marked the deadline for players on a reserve/retired list to be activated to play this season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That deadline, which loomed today for the Lions due to their Thanksgiving matchup, has proven to be rather important for this year’s Detroit edition.

Playing without guard starter Christian Mahogany (who is on IR), the Lions have seen Ragnow successor Graham Glasgow miss practice this week with a knee injury. Glasgow has been ruled out for Thursday. Glasgow, who has logged extensive time at center and guard throughout his career in Detroit and Denver, could be an option to fill in for Mahogany at guard once Ragnow returns. The Lions, also are unlikely to see left tackle Taylor Decker at full strength this season, would certainly benefit from Ragnow returning to action. Although the seven-year starter had been retired, he is only 29.

When asked about this situation earlier this month, Dan Campbell had said the ship had sailed. But the fifth-year HC, who is back in a play-calling role, will have a chance to oversee Ragnow again. Ragnow had been one of the NFL’s best centers at the time of retirement. He walked away in June, making a surprise announcement. The Lions retained his rights, as the former first-rounder’s extension ran through the 2026 season. It will certainly be worth monitoring if Ragnow views this as a one-off or if he would be interested in sticking around beyond 2025.

As for Ragnow’s current readiness, Rapoport indicates the accomplished blocker should be able to return to action “sooner, rather than later.” Ragnow is obviously not coming back for the Lions’ Thanksgiving game against the Packers, and Schefter pours cold water on a return next Thursday against the Cowboys. A Week 15 debut (against the Rams) is believed to be in play, however. This timetable is encouraging for a Lions team that had the luxury of top-level center play for an extended period.

Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro acclaim three times from 2020-24. With Jason Kelce gobbling up first-team All-Pro nods as he built a rock-solid Hall of Fame case, second-team All-Pro distinctions became the de facto ceiling for others at the position. And Ragnow played hurt en route to the second-team honor behind Creed Humphrey in 2024. Although Brandon Graham and Darren Waller have unretired this season, Ragnow represents — at this stage of his career — a higher-quality player returning. This could make a considerable difference for a Lions team in a heated NFC North battle.

Ragnow received his most recent All-Pro nod despite suffering a torn pectoral muscle early in the 2024 season. The 2018 first-round pick anchored a dominant Lions offensive line, joining Decker and Penei Sewell as pillars for a team that motored to 15-2 behind its offense.

Detroit lost dependable guard Kevin Zeitler in the offseason, replacing him with second-round pick Tate Ratledge. But Ragnow’s mid-offseason retirement brought Glasgow back to center — where he last played in 2022. The return has not gone smoothly; Pro Football Focus ranks him 28th at the position. Replacement LG Kayode Awosika has also been a slight step back from Mahogany, prompting PFF to rank the Lions’ O-line — one of the NFL’s best position groups in 2024 — 10th ahead of Week 13.

The Lions extended Ragnow on a four-year, $54MM deal — at the time, this was the NFL’s top center pact — during Campbell and GM Brad Holmes‘ first year (2021). That proved a timely signing for Ragnow, who suffered a season-ending injury early in 2021. His return helped catalyze the Campbell mission, as the Lions stormed to 9-8 after a 1-6 start. They then finished 13-4 in 2023 and steamrolled to the NFC’s No. 1 seed last season. Defensive injuries did in Detroit, which lost Ben Johnson to Chicago. Campbell yanking the play sheet from replacement John Morton was obviously not a good sign for the OC, and the Lions sit 7-4 — third in the NFC North — ahead of a crucial Packers tilt.

Following the Cowboys contest, the Lions close the season with games against the Rams, Steelers, Vikings and Bears. Ragnow being available for the final four games would stand to be a key variable in the NFC playoff race.

Colts Expected To Open Contract Talks With Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor After Season

November 26th, 2025 at 10:26pm CST by Connor Byrne

Despite a disappointing loss to the Chiefs in Week 12, this season has been a success for the Colts. They’re 8-3, atop the AFC South, and in the mix for the No. 1 seed in the conference. An offense that ranks first in the NFL in scoring and second in yardage has been among the primary reasons for the Colts’ resurgence.

The offseason signing of former Giants and Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones has worked out brilliantly for the Colts. They bought low on Jones, giving him a one-year, $14MM guarantee. The 28-year-old has rewarded the Colts with a career-best campaign.

Once again a pending free agent, Jones is now a candidate to cash in on a much larger contract in the coming months. It’s already known the Colts plan to make Jones a long-term offer. Talks are not expected to start until the offseason, though, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

It’s a similar situation with running back Jonathan Taylor, per Jonathan Jones, who writes that “it’s crickets when it comes to money talks” with Taylor and his QB. The Colts aren’t in immediate danger of losing Taylor, who’s vying for a rare MVP win for a running back. Taylor’s under wraps through 2026 on the three-year, $42MM extension he signed in October 2023.

At the time of signing, Taylor ranked third among RBs in average annual value and fourth in fully guaranteed money ($19.35MM). He’s now fourth in AAV and sixth in full guarantees.

If the Colts and Taylor pursue a new pact during the offseason, he could accompany the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley in the vicinity of $20MM per year. Barkley leads the position in AAV ($20.6MM) and full guarantees ($36MM) after securing a two-year, $41.2MM extension last March. The soon-to-be 27-year-old Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler, may push for a similar payday off what has been a spectacular season and overall run in Indianapolis.

While a fresh deal for Taylor should put him near the top of the league at his position, there’s still skepticism toward Jones after he flamed out on a big contract with the Giants. They handed Jones a four-year, $160MM extension in March 2023, only to waive him last November.

Jones has cooled off since a hot start to the season, and he has particularly struggled when defenses have pressured him in recent weeks, Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star details. The Colts’ coaches are still confident in him, though, according to Erickson.

The approach the Colts’ Chris Ballard-led front office takes on a potential Jones deal could be “heavily dependent” on how he and the team finish 2025, Jonathan Jones writes. The Colts took a home run swing before the Nov. 4 trade deadline in sending two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Knowing Indianapolis won’t be able to spend a first-rounder on a QB in the near future could give Jones leverage in contract talks after the season.

For their part, the Colts don’t necessarily have to make a multiyear commitment. Placing the $46.1MM franchise tag on Jones would be costly, but it’s an option that would give the Colts another year to evaluate him without locking in for the long haul, James Boyd of The Athletic notes.

Jones’ future will continue serving as an interesting storyline heading into the offseason. In the meantime, he and the Colts will face a brutal season-ending schedule consisting of all playoff contenders. Four of their last six games are against division rivals Houston and Jacksonville. If Jones can help fend them off en route to the Colts’ first division title since 2014, a second nine-figure contract could be within reach.

Tom Brady Strongly Influenced Raiders’ Chip Kelly Hire; Latest On Pete Carroll

November 26th, 2025 at 10:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Raiders have somehow regressed despite moving from the Gardner Minshew/Aidan O’Connell quarterback situation to Geno Smith, with the Antonio Pierce-to-Pete Carroll transition also failing to move the needle in the win column. One domino has already fallen in Las Vegas, as Chip Kelly is out as OC. More may well be positioned to topple soon.

Kelly had loomed as a Raiders OC target for two offseasons, being hired shortly after the team installed Carroll as HC. Minority owner Tom Brady is believed to have wielded strong influence in the Kelly hire, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. This is unsurprising given how much power Brady is believed to have in Vegas, and Russini adds Mark Davis‘ preferred football czar is frustrated with the team’s overall performance.

Brady’s frustration likely contributed to the team’s decision to fire Kelly. It has now been three straight years of a Raiders OC being dismissed in-season. The team canned Mick Lombardi shortly after firing Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler in 2023, and Pierce booted Luke Getsy midway through the 2024 campaign. With Smith taking 10 sacks in an abysmal loss to the Browns, the Raiders acted early yet again. Kelly, who became the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator (at $6MM per year), is an NFL one-and-done once again. His most recent NFL post, as 49ers HC in 2016, ended after one year.

The Raiders firing Kelly now strips Carroll from having the chance to make this move in the offseason. Such an effort occurring then would have given the veteran leader a chance to frame that move as a way to convince Brady, Davis and GM John Spytek positive 2026 change would take place. With the firing coming in November, will Carroll have a chance to return as HC in 2026?

Some around the NFL are wondering if Carroll will join Kelly as a Raiders one-and-done, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. The oldest HC in NFL history, the 74-year-old sideline staple has not come especially close to being the floor-raising presence expected in Vegas.

The Raiders made a stark pivot to Carroll after losing out on Ben Johnson, a coach Brady aggressively pursued this offseason (though, the team was not believed to have made an offer to the now-Bears HC). The team is 2-9 and ranks 31st in scoring offense (a unit that ranks 32nd in EPA per play). While EPA slots Patrick Graham‘s defense 20th, the Raiders have lost six games by double figures and have only beaten the one-win Titans since what looks to be a fluky Week 1 triumph in New England.

Carroll, who also fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon this month, is on a three-year contract that carries an option for a fourth season. Most HC deals cover five or six years, but Carroll’s age undoubtedly factored into the Raiders’ thinking upon designing this deal. No clear succession plan appeared to exist, and with the Raiders at two wins by Thanksgiving, it would shock if Carroll’s replacement was on staff.

Carroll also holds considerably less power than he did in Seattle, with Brady and Spytek heavily involved. Carroll held final roster say with the Seahawks; the 2024 Seattle change was partially structured around John Schneider receiving a chance to fully steer the ship. Brady is highly unlikely to be going anywhere, so the all-time QB great’s fingerprints figure to be on the coaching situation. Carroll, who sat out the 2024 season but became intrigued with the Raiders once Brady was approved as a part-owner, may well be coaching for his job down the stretch this season.

Bengals Activate Joe Burrow From IR

November 26th, 2025 at 10:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

Joe Burrow will indeed return before December. Despite the Bengals’ swoon, they are activating their star quarterback from IR, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms.

This moves Burrow in place to face the Ravens in what looms as a crucial divisional tilt — though, the game is not exactly pivotal for the Bengals at this point. While Baltimore and Pittsburgh are vying for the AFC North crown, Cincinnati has fallen to 3-8. Burrow’s latest injury, along with another woeful defensive effort, has buried the Bengals. With Cincy poised to miss the playoffs for a third straight season, questions about whether Burrow should return from his turf toe malady are valid. But he is coming back anyway.

Burrow returned to practice November 10, and while Week 14 initially loomed as his most likely return date, the Bengals have seen enough from their centerpiece player to pull the trigger without waiting for a post-Thanksgiving mini-bye. Considering Burrow’s extensive injury history and Cincinnati’s place in the AFC standings, this is a strange decision. But such a move clearly points to team and player being comfortable with this return.

The Bengals have lost four straight since their Joe Flacco-guided upset win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh prevailed in the rematch, with Cincy losses to Chicago, New England and the Jets also commencing. For all intents and purposes, the Bengals are out of the playoff race. Yet, they will redeploy probably the most important player in franchise history with six games remaining.

Seeing his rookie season marred by an ACL tear and his 2023 campaign end early due to wrist surgery, Burrow has already undergone a toe procedure after going down in Week 2 of this season. While it would seem risky for all parties to reinstall Burrow with little at stake now, a recent report indicated the team would proceed in this direction regardless of record.

Joining Chad Pennington as a two-time Comeback Player of the Year, Burrow delivered standout seasons in each of his three healthy NFL slates. He powered the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI upon returning from the ACL tear and then nearly piloted a title defense in 2022. Last season, Burrow put up MVP-caliber numbers — only to see the Bengals’ defensive struggles render that showing moot. The Bengals have Burrow signed through the 2029 season, but they have already seen their QB wield tremendous influence in the building. Burrow’s push to see Tee Higgins extended succeeded, and it will be interesting to learn if the sixth-year passer aggressively lobbied to return to action rather than being shut down.

This season is all but certain to mark a rare occurrence of a superstar quarterback missing the playoffs in three straight seasons. Though, Burrow’s play has little to do with Cincy’s struggles since the 2022 AFC championship game. This is also Burrow’s final season in his 20s; the 2020 No. 1 overall pick will turn 30 late in the 2026 season.

Burrow having missed 22 games due to injury as a pro, along with battling some summer attendance issues for health reasons, has made him an unreliable NFL great. The end of this season could at least provide some positive momentum for the standout passer, though it would also not surprise to see the Bengals reassess this situation if more losses ensued.

The former Heisman winner led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns last season. The Bengals finished 9-8 despite All-Pro seasons from Ja’Marr Chase and Trey Hendrickson. A 25th-ranked defense — which keyed Lou Anarumo‘s firing — held Burrow back; the Bengals’ first Al Golden-led defense ranks 32nd. Chase will return from his one-game suspension, but Higgins will miss Week 13 due to a concussion. Not practicing again this week, Hendrickson has not played since October because of a hip injury.

For the time being at least, this will both end Flacco’s stay atop Cincinnati’s QB depth chart and inject an interesting wild card into the AFC playoff proceedings. Flacco has played fairly well since being acquired via trade, but the team’s plan of obtaining Flacco to keep its playoff hopes afloat failed. The team is 1-5 in Flacco starts. The Bengals are done with their Steelers matchups but still face the Ravens twice. They also match up with the Bills next week. Burrow certainly will give the struggling team a better chance of pulling off upsets in those games, but the Pro Bowler’s health will be the key element in this equation from a Bengals perspective.

Load More Posts