Joe Burrow's season was paused by a toe injury when the Cincinnati Bengals were 2-0. Eleven weeks later, Burrow is back -- but the Bengals have added only one win in his absence.
As dominant as Burrow can be when he's healthy, the Bengals are likely asking for more than he can give as they look to miraculously climb back into the playoff picture. Even an MVP-caliber season from Burrow wasn't enough to get Cincinnati to the playoffs in 2024, with defensive lapses sending the Bengals to 4-8 before a too-little, too-late win streak at the end of the season.
While playoff hopes may be far-fetched, the Bengals are still thrilled to have their face of the franchise back on the field in hopes he can build some momentum down the stretch before going full throttle in 2026.
Here's a look at how Burrow performed in his return to the field on Thanksgiving night.
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Joe Burrow stats today
Halftime score: Bengals 12, Ravens 7
Comp. rate: 46.9 (15/32)
Yards: 165
TD: 0
INT: 0
Passer rating: 62.6
Rush att: 1
Rush yards: 2
Rush TD: 0
Sacks: 1
Burrow went 15-of-32 passing for 165 yards in the first half, avoiding turnovers, but struggled with accuracy at times and had a hard time turning scoring opportunities into touchdowns. Cincinnati came away without points after being set up at the Baltimore Ravens' two-yard line by a turnover, and the Bengals came within six yards of the end zone deep into the second quarter before settling for a field goal.
The passing game seemed just a tick off early on, with Burrow uncharacteristically missing Ja'Marr Chase at times, but he and Chase started to find a rhythm in the second quarter. The Bengals took the lead on a drive sparked by a 43-yard completion to Chase, and Chase finished the first half with 80 yards despite catching less than half of his targets.
When another Ravens turnover gave the Bengals a chance at points before the end of the half, Burrow only completed one of three passes and settled for a field goal.
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Joe Burrow highlights vs. Ravens
Burrow looked to Chase early in his return. Chase was also returning from a one-game suspension for spitting on Jalen Ramsey.
Burrow & Chase connect on the opening drive
CINvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/QSvyAp4LtK
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2025
This was exactly what Bengals fans had been waiting to see:
Burrow to Chase for a pickup of 43
CINvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/4bngUxp3di
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2025