The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a very important Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. While their Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers forced Cincinnati to fall to 3-7 and likely out of the playoffs, they still have a fighting chance.
But a loss in Week 12 could spell the end of any comeback, as a 3-8 record would have the Bengals all but eliminated from playoff contention.
Fortunately, during an appearance on 700WLW, Zac Taylor revealed an unexpected, but very welcome update on Joe Burrow amid his return from a turf toe injury.
Joe Burrow gets unexpected injury update for Week 12
Taylor was asked point-blank if Burrow had any chance of returning in Week 12 against the Patriots. Taylor's answer, shared by Lance McCallister of 700WLW, was an interesting twist on his injury recovery.
"Well, I'm not there yet," Taylor said in response to Burrow playing in Week 12, "We will use the time we have and come up with the best decision. ... I wish I could (answer whether Burrow is starting). I had a decision today. I'm going to take in all the information."
This is a very interesting update on Burrow. The timeline for Burrow's return was Week 13 on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens, with that being the fastest return, as Week 14 was his most likely return date.
But these comments from Taylor leave the door open to Burrow returning as early as Week 12 against the Patriots. Compared to the initial speculation of a Week 14 return, this would be a very quick turnaround for Burrow.
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He practiced in full on Wednesday's practice in 11-on-11, further indicating that Burrow is, if nothing else, closing in on a return.
Burrow still needs to be cleared and show positive signs during Thursday's practice to get the green light to play, but it's not an impossibility anymore.
Even if he winds up sitting for one more week, the reporting on Burrow's return to practice this week is a strong indicator that he could return in Week 13.
As Taylor said, time will tell whether Burrow is fully healthy and good to go for Sunday. Things are trending in the right direction for Burrow and the Bengals for a Week 12 return.
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