Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday's practice for the first time since his September injury. The star QB, sidelined by a Grade 3 turf toe, took part in 11-on-11 drills amid uncertainty about his return. With backup Joe Flacco limited by a shoulder injury, Burrow received first-team reps.
Joe Burrow's return to full practice marks a significant step in his recovery from a Grade 3 turf toe injury sustained on September 14 during a 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bengals placed him on injured reserve shortly after, and he has missed eight games, during which the team posted a 1-7 record. His 21-day practice window opened on November 10, with a decision on activation due by December 1.
Last week, Burrow was limited in sessions, but on Wednesday, he fully participated, including 11-on-11 drills. Bengals coach Zac Taylor remained noncommittal about Burrow starting Sunday against the New England Patriots. "We'll keep working through it and see how we go through the week," Taylor said. When asked about a scenario where Burrow plays this week, Taylor added, "Until we get through some practices, there's no reason for me to even speculate on that."
Flacco, who has started in Burrow's absence, was limited due to a shoulder injury sustained in Week 8. Taylor noted the opportunity for Burrow: "I think you can certainly get a lot of work in with Joe Burrow today because Joe Flacco isn't practicing because the plan has been get [Burrow] into 11 on 11, so it works well."
A Thanksgiving return against the Baltimore Ravens appears more likely than Week 12, as playing Burrow now would mean two games in five days. Burrow called a Ravens matchup "Very" meaningful in a November 10 interview. CBS Sports reporter Melanie Collins reported potential returns in Week 13 or Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills. Despite slim playoff hopes, Burrow said the team's record won't factor into his decision: "We'll see how these next couple of weeks go. We'll see how it feels. We'll make a decision when the time comes."