Joe Burrow’s return to the field remains a mystery, even for his head coach, Zac Taylor. The Cincinnati Bengals star hasn’t played since Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, when he suffered a toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that moment. The Bengals only won one of the next eight games they played. Jake Browning replaced Burrow, but was later benched when the team traded for Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns.
Advertisement
At 3-7, the Bengals could still aspire to advance to the playoffs, but it seems as though another Superman run from Burrow will be necessary to reach their goal. Taylor made an appearance on 700 WLW radio’s The Morning Show in Cincinnati on Thursday to discuss several topics.
Host Thom Brennaman asked if Burrow would play in Week 12 against the New England Patriots. The coach delivered a cryptic response, saying that he had no answer to that.
“We don’t know yet,” the coach said, via Paul Dehner Jr. on X. “I’m not there yet. One day at practice isn’t going to lead to that decision yet.“
Advertisement
Zac Taylor speaking with @ThomBrennamanTV on @700wlw said "we don't know yet" if Joe Burrow is playing Sunday. When asked directly if Burrow is playing Sunday: "I'm not there yet. One day at practice isn't going to lead to that decision yet."
Yet.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) November 20, 2025
The Bengals have one of the most electrifying offenses in the league, but their defense has been the weak link for several years now. They were close to advancing to the 2024 playoffs after Burrow put up an MVP-caliber run that wasn’t enough after a 1-3 start.
They can still make noise down the road. However, nobody knows when Burrow will make his much-anticipated return. The final stretch of the season will include games against the Baltimore Ravens (twice), the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns.
Advertisement
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
NFL:12 NFL teams with the best chance to win the Super Bowl after Week 11
CFB:Predicting the 12 College Football Playoff teams after Week 12
FANTASY FOOTBALL:Fantasy football studs and duds for NFL Week 12
NBA:LeBron James shares major personal news about Bronny James
MLB:Former Mets, Padres Cy Young Award winner dies at 75
VIRAL:Wendell Carter Jr. sparks new wave of Angel Reese speculation with viral response