Joe Burrow has been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe that required surgery and prolonged recovery. Joe Flacco stepped in as the starter during his absence. Despite the bleak record, there are signs, cautious but real, that Burrow’s return may be imminent now.
This Wednesday Burrow practiced fully for the first time since his surgery a major development. Cincinnati opened his practice window last week, starting a 21-day return clock. The team hasn’t confirmed a starter for Sunday against New England, but optimism is growing inside Bengal circles, and fans are excited.
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MORE:Joe Flacco brushes off question about Bengals star Joe Burrow’s return
The good news on Joe Burrow
Analyst and insider Dan Orlovsky expressed confidence that Burrow will be under center in Week 12, capturing the mood around the team. “He’s a competitor,” Orlovsky said, stressing that if the medical staff clears Burrow and he says he can play, he very likely will. Orlovsky pointed to Cincinnati’s desperate position, sitting at 3-7 and the urgency to win.
Burrow returned as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice for the first time since his turf toe surgery. Meanwhile, interim starter Joe Flacco was limited with a shoulder issue, which adds to the possibility Burrow could start.
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“He’s going to start and there’s no way that he’s practicing fully today. If he’s not going to start on Sunday…They’re in desperate times. They have to basically win out to get in and even need some help. If Joe’s wants to play and he feels like he’s going to be able to play in the medical staff says he’s capable. He’s going to go play. I would fully expect him to be the starter,” Orlovsky noted.
Cincinnati still hasn’t issued an official starting quarterback announcement for Sunday, and the team faces a brutal upcoming slate that includes the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and two games versus the Baltimore Ravens. If Burrow is cleared, his presence would offer a major emotional and tactical lift. Fans and teammates alike would welcome his leadership during a must-win stretch.
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Between the 21-day practice window, the full practice report and Orlovsky’s belief, a plausible path exists for Burrow to appear. For Bengals supporters, Wednesday’s development felt like hope arriving at the door, cautiously real and worth watching as game day approaches. Stay tuned, Bengal fans eagerly.
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