NFL and Cincinnati Bengals fans were delighted to see Joe Burrow back as QB1. Burrow, the first overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been out since suffering turf toe in Week 2.
Many do not believe Burrow should be playing in 2025. The 3-8 Bengals are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention; however, it is a reach. These people believe the Bengals should be shutting down Burrow for the season given his history of sustaining serious injuries.
Burrow made it clear that he wants to be with his team, gets paid a lot of money to do the job, and he wants to put on a good show for the fans.
No one can dispute that response except the fans nervous that he will injure himself further and hamper his 2026 aspirations.
One of the equipment changes Burrow is implementing to protect the surgically repaired toe is a steel plate in the left cleat which is proving to be uncomfortable.
How Is Joe Burrow Dealing With The Steel Plate?
The steel plate makes his cleat tight causing numbness so Burrow is managing the situation by taking the left cleat off and putting a Nike sneaker on while on the bench as the Ravens offense takes the field.
Joe Burrow told me pregame he has a steel plate in his left cleat but it’s a little tight causing some numbness so he plans to switch into sneakers on the sideline between drives. pic.twitter.com/RxqdnwBAeF
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) November 28, 2025
Joe Burrow causally sliding on the Jordan’spic.twitter.com/CnZg2FGxyk
— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) November 28, 2025
Burrow does not appear to have much rust despite only playing 1 1/2 games this season before sustaining his injury.
However, the Bengals offense was denied points on a rare defensive fumble recovery at the Ravens 2 yard line.
The Ravens currently lead the game 7-3 in the waning minutes of the first quarter.
Watch the remainder of game on NBC or the Madden NFL Cast on Peacock.
Derrick Henry: 95 OVR. 💪
🎮 #MaddenNFLCast is streaming NOW on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/uF3WRKk4h5
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 28, 2025
