The 2025 NFL season went off the rails for the Cincinnati Bengals when superstar quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury that required surgery and would keep him sidelined for the majority of the regular season.
The consensus was that the Bengals’ season was essentially over before it even began, despite the team winning its first two games right out of the gate. In the aftermath of Burrow’s injury, Cincinnati won only one more game, as they’ll head into Week 11 with a record of 3-6.
Even though the team is sitting three games below .500, the season might be able to be salvaged, especially with Burrow seemingly nearing his return to the field after a week of practice.
Ja’Marr Chase Reacts to Joe Burrow’s Early Return
GettyJoe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Although veteran journeyman Joe Flacco has done a decent job of shouldering the load under center, the fact is the team still hasn’t been able to win games, which could change with Burrow back in the fold.
No one knows that more than star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who shared his reaction to Burrow’s return to the practice field during the team’s media availability on Thursday.
“It’s just best for everybody,” Chase said of Burrow being back on the practice field. “The energy feels good for the whole offense. Just making sure he’s back. He definitely puts smiles on people’s faces.”
It remains uncertain when Burrow will officially make his return to the gridiron, as the team will likely take a cautious approach moving forward to avoid any further injury. However, there’s a small margin for error, and things could change if the team loses to division rival Pittsburgh Steelers on the road at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.
It’ll be interesting to see how the team handles its situation with the prospect of Burrow getting back on the field sooner rather than later.
Is Burrow the Key to Turning the Bengals’ Season Around?
GettyJoe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals.
If Burrow can get back on the field in the next week or so, it could be a game-changer for the Bengals if he’s fully healthy and playing at a high level right out of the gate.
Chase believes that Burrow is itching to get back on the field, which could be a sign of what to expect from the superstar gunslinger once he’s back under center.
“I’m pretty sure Joe wants to be out there,” Chase said.
The veteran wide receiver also chimed in on how incredible it is to see Burrow nearing his return earlier than expected.
“It was pretty fast. I didn’t expect it to be so fast,” Chase said. “I think his personality makes him unique. The way he approaches the game makes him crazy. How much he loves the game makes him crazy. That’s how much passion he has behind that. And nothing’s wrong with that. He just wants to win. You need people around you like that.”
It remains to be seen what the immediate future holds for the Bengals, but it is safe to say the team faces a must-win situation in Week 11 against the Steelers if Cincinnati wants to make a run at the NFL playoffs.
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