Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice on Wednesday, marking one step closer to his return.
Joe Burrow Practices
Zac Taylor speaks to the media ahead of Week 12 against the New England Patriots. https://t.co/07c0mYekzM
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 19, 2025
For the first time in months, Burrow was a full participant at practice, according to the team’s injury report. It was the first time Burrow went through 11-on-11 drills in months.
Burrow has not played since injuring his toe in Week 2’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 14.
Burrow remains in the 21-day practice window.
Since Burrow was a full participant in practice, it opens the door to play in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Head coach Zac Taylor is not ready to say if his quarterback will play.
“Until we get through some practices, there’s no reason for me to even speculate on that,” Taylor said via the Bengals’ social media.
Burrow has been eyeing Thanksgiving night as a potential return from injury. The Bengals hit the road to play the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13. If Burrow can’t play on Thanksgiving, the Dec. 7 game against the Buffalo Bills would be the next opportunity.
Meanwhile, the current Bengals’ starting quarterback, Joe Flacco, was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice with his right shoulder injury. Though the record (1-4 as the Bengals’ starter) is poor, Flacco has been dealing — 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions.
If Burrow or Flacco can’t play, Jake Browning would be the likely starter against the Patriots.
Bengals’ Season on the Verge of Ending Early
Stacking reps.
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— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 19, 2025
Burrow’s return is a promising sign for the Bengals. However, is it too little too late for Cincinnati?
Heading into Sunday’s game against the Patriots, the Bengals are 3-7 and losers of seven of their last eight games.
The Bengals are 12th in the AFC and have a 1% chance of making the postseason, according to NFL.com.
It’s only November, but Sunday’s game against the Patriots is a must-win for Cincinnati. While the game is at home, the Bengals face a tall task in taking out the 9-2 Patriots.
Cincinnati’s offense hasn’t been the problem; it’s the defense. The Bengals are last in total defense (418.2 yards per game), run defense (160.9 yards per game), and scoring defense (33.4 points per game).
Even if Burrow returns on Sunday, if the defense can’t stop Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense, it will be a long day for the Bengals.
