The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to get Joe Burrow back this week, but their chances of making the playoffs remain minuscule.
Joe Burrow Expected to Play in Week 13
If all goes as planned, Joe Burrow will start against the Ravens and the Thanksgiving night game will feature a matchup of two of the NFL's best quarterbacks.
Just as everyone hoped for.
Burrow vs. Jackson. Baltimore vs. Cincinnati.https://t.co/DdXdDrJFPs
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) November 24, 2025
It’s been over two months since Burrow last played for the Bengals. The wait is almost over, as Burrow is expected to play on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens.
Coach Zac Taylor spoke to the media on Monday about Burrow, revealing that all signs point toward his quarterback suiting up in Week 13.
“I anticipate him [Burrow] playing, but we’ll continue to work through the week,” Taylor said via The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway. “He looks like he’s in good shape right now, and he can be ready to go.”
The Bengals waived quarterback Sean Clifford on Monday, opening the door for Burrow to be activated to the 53-man roster.
Burrow has not played since injuring his toe in Week 2’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Since Burrow’s departure, the Bengals are 1-8. Jake Browning went 0-3, while Joe Flacco is 1-5.
Admittedly, Flacco has held up his end of the bargain. The Bengals’ offense has not been the issue under Flacco, who has thrown for 1,636 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
The Bengals’ defense remains the biggest reason why this team has underachieved. Cincinnati is ranked last in total defense (418.2 yards per game), rushing defense (160.9 yards per game), and scoring defense (33.4 points per game).
Speaking of defense, Trey Hendrickson will miss Thursday’s game with a hip injury.
Bengals’ Playoff Chances
#Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters that, on Joe Burrow: “Anticipate him playing” … but no official determination.
Tee Higgins (concussion) and Trey Hendrickson (hip) are both out. pic.twitter.com/6rYFu9fzzW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2025
Burrow’s return to the lineup is a positive for the Bengals. However, it might be too late for Cincinnati to climb back into the postseason race.
At 3-7, the Bengals have a 3% chance of making the postseason, according to The Athletic’s playoff simulator.
What the Bengals have on their side are key division games remaining on the schedule. While the Bengals split with the Steelers, Cincinnati still has to play the Baltimore Ravens twice and the Cleveland Browns once.
The Ravens and Steelers are tied at the top of the AFC North at 6-5. The Bengals must sweep the Ravens to have a shot at taking the division.
Cincinnati’s non-AFC North opponents left this season include the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals.
It’s a long shot, but until the Bengals are officially eliminated from playoff contention, Burrow and his team will keep fighting.
The Bengals and Ravens square off on Thanksgiving night.
