Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a significant foot injury in Week 2, resulting in him missing the rest of the regular season through Week 11. Though there was a belief he would not make it back until December, the team shockingly opened his 21-day practice window.
Now, head coach Zac Taylor has dropped a cryptic update on Burrow potentially being ready to play in Week 12.
The Bengals are currently 3-7 on the season, and they are facing a reality where they may not make the playoffs. The usual case for teams that drop below 10-7 is that they have a slim to no chance of making the postseason. Rather, it would take a lot of luck for a team sitting at 9-8 to make the playoffs.
That being said, the Bengals might feel that Burrow’s return could give the team the boost to go on a run. The other issue is the team’s schedule, which sees the next three opponents be the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.
It will be increasingly difficult for the Bengals to win all three games, though having Burrow back could be the deciding factor in the team winning.
That said, there is a chance that the star quarterback could be back on Sunday.
Taylor spoke to reporters about Burrow potentially playing in Week 12. He said:
"I wish I had a decision today. I'm going to take in all the information.”
Burrow practiced fully on Wednesday, leading many to believe that he would be ready to go on Sunday. The issue is that reports have indicated that he may have mobility issues.
What Was Joe Burrow’s Injury?
During Week 2, Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Turf toe is an injury in your big toe joint when ligaments, tendons and soft tissues in the joint stretch or tear.”
The explanation for a grade 3 turf toe injury is, “Grade 3**:** The soft tissues in your toe are completely torn. Your MTP joint may be dislocated. Swelling and pain in your toe are severe. It's very difficult to move your toe, let alone exercise or play sports.”
This level of injury led to Burrow having to undergo surgery to repair the torn tissues and ligaments. This is why he was not predicted to return until December.
Due to the recovery, NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated that the Bengals quarterback would hav mobility issues and have a plate in his shoe to help.
“That should continue, as Burrow’s rehab hits the on-field stage. Whenever he returns to game-action, the likelihood is he’ll do so with a metal plate in his shoe and without full mobility, sources say. Burrow and the team will likely have to adjust their standard playbook, but that would be worth it to have Burrow back,” Rapoport wrote.
All this to say that Burrow returning now would be shocking, even more so for Taylor and the team to essentially rush him back onto the field. The hope for the Bengals would be that he does not reaggravate the injury in any way, resulting in long-term damage.
The Bengals need Burrow to help propel them to a win streak, but they shouldn’t risk him being injured more. Either way, it does appear he has a strong chance to play in Week 12.
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