Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been out of commission since suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2. He underwent surgery to repair the injury, and has missed each of the team’s last eight games since.
Burrow returned to the practice field in Week 11, notching limited participation in each of the Bengals’ three practice sessions leading up to Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Wednesday, Burrow was a surprise upgrade on the Bengals’ Week 12 injury report - notching full participation in the team’s first practice session before this weekend’s clash against the New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Flacco was listed as limited with an injury to his right throwing shoulder.
The Bengals designated Burrow to return from the injured reserve last week, opening up his 21-day practice window. It’s unclear if he’ll return to action for Sunday’s Week 12 matchup against the Patriots, but full participation on Wednesday is certainly a step in the right direction for the reigning Comeback Player of the Year.
Cincinnati opened up its 2025 NFL season with a 2-0 record. Since then, the Bengals have lost seven of their last eight games in Burrow’s absence.
The franchise will weigh the risk of rushing Burrow back to action as the team is currently a long shot to earn a postseason berth.
Burrow’s practice status will be updated throughout the week as the Bengals prepare to face off against MVP candidate Drake Maye and the 9-2 Patriots in Week 12.
If he doesn’t return to action this weekend, Burrow’s next opportunity to take the field will be a Thanksgiving Day matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
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