The Cincinnati Bengals may finally get their franchise quarterback back. Head coach Zac Taylor said he expects Joe Burrow to play this week against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night — a much-needed boost for a team that has struggled without him. While not officially confirmed, Burrow’s return could not come at a more crucial time for the Bengals, who are sitting at 3-8 and tied for last in the AFC North.
Burrow’s Long Road Back from Injury
Burrow started the first two games of the 2025 season but suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was placed on injured reserve shortly after and has missed the last nine games.
Initially, his recovery was estimated at three months, but the Bengals left the door open for a late-season return. On November 10, they designated him for return, and last week Burrow began taking first-team reps in practice. While he wasn’t ready in time to face the Patriots, Taylor is confident he’ll be under center against Baltimore.
Bengals’ Quarterback Struggles Without Burrow
The Bengals’ offense has looked lost without Burrow. Zac Taylor first turned to backup Jake Browning, but after going 0-3 and throwing 8 interceptions to just 6 touchdowns, Browning was benched.
Cincinnati then made a surprise midseason trade, acquiring veteran Joe Flacco from the Browns. Flacco, 40, started six games and went 1-5. While his numbers (1,636 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) were better than Browning’s, the offense still lacked rhythm. Flacco also battled a shoulder injury and has been inconsistent in recent games.
Now, with the season slipping away, Taylor has decided it’s time to bring Burrow back.
Burrow’s Return Brings Hope — But Is It Too Late?
At 3-8, the Bengals are in deep trouble. They sit at the bottom of the AFC North alongside the Browns and are trailing the division-leading Ravens, who have won five straight and sit at 6-5.
Cincinnati ranks 15th in passing yards per game and has thrown 12 interceptions between its two backup quarterbacks — the fourth-most in the NFL this season. Burrow’s return won’t magically fix everything, but his presence should immediately raise the offense’s level.
He’s one of the league’s most poised and accurate passers and is known for late-season surges. If anyone can help turn things around, it’s him.
What It Means for Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco, who will turn 41 in January, has said he still wants to be a starter in the NFL next season. While he’s shown flashes of quality play during his six-game stretch, the Bengals clearly view Burrow as their present and future.
Flacco will likely finish the year as a backup unless Burrow suffers another setback. His NFL future may depend on offseason interest from teams needing a stop-gap veteran presence.
Bengals’ Remaining Schedule: A Tough Road Ahead
The Bengals don’t have an easy path forward. Their remaining games include:
- Week 13: vs Baltimore Ravens (Thanksgiving night)
- Weeks 14-18: Still includes matchups with the Steelers, Browns, and Jaguars
Even with Burrow returning, Cincinnati would likely need to win out and get help from other teams to sneak into playoff contention.
