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The Cincinnati Bengals have a big decision to make. They have struggled to close out games this season, and it hasn’t been because of their offense.
Outside of their Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Flacco has done an outstanding job of keeping the Bengals afloat in Joe Burrow‘s absence. The defense, however, has failed to hold up its end of the bargain.
Now that Burrow has returned to practice after recovering from his toe injury, head coach Zac Taylor got honest about the looming QB decision for Week 12 against the New England Patriots.
“Well, I’m not there yet. We will use the time we have and come up with the best decision,” Taylor said. “I wish I could. I wish I had a decision today. I’m going to take in all the information.”
Zac Taylor on @700wlw
w/ @ThomBrennamanTV
regarding Burrow playing Sunday
Zac:
"Well, we don't know that yet……"
Thom: "Is there a chance he starts Sunday?"
Zac: "Well, I'm not there yet. We will use the time we have and come up with the best decision."
Thom: "Ok,… pic.twitter.com/yXkytaJMaT
— LanceMcAlister (@LanceMcAlister) November 20, 2025
It’s hard to imagine the Bengals won’t turn to Burrow if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks in practice. That decision could come back to haunt them, but they seem inclined to do so.
The Bengals have failed to protect their superstar quarterback more often than not. Having him play behind this offensive line after suffering another weeks-long injury might be organizational malpractice.
As great as he is, and as much as his return could spark and motivate the team, Burrow doesn’t play defense. It won’t make much of a difference if the Bengals score 40 points and give up 41.
The AFC North is still up for grabs, and the Bengals are used to getting hot in the second half of the season. That being said, they might be better off looking at the bigger picture and protecting their most valuable asset for a change.
NEXT: Dan Orlovsky Sends Confident Message About Joe Burrow's Status Sunday