The Cincinnati Bengals have been without superstar quarterback Joe Burrow since September 14th, 2025. Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury that day against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This led to Burrow being moved to the injured reserve list.
On Monday, November 10th, the signal caller returned to practice in a limited capacity. This started the 21-day window for the Bengals to decide if he can return to action this season whatsoever.
Potential Return Date For Joe Burrow Has Been Revealed
GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts with Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NFL on CBS Sports’ John Breech chimed in on the matter of the timing of Burrow’s potential return to the football field. He mentions the Bengals’ Thanksgiving Day matchup in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens:
“This is the game you should circle on your calendar, because this is the game Burrow appears to be targeting for a possible return. This AFC North showdown is being played on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) and based on what Burrow had to say on Monday, he would really like to be on the field. The Bengals QB gave a one-word answer when asked how meaningful it would be for him to return against the Ravens in this prime time game.
‘Very,’ Burrow said.”
NFL on CBS Sports’ John Breech on Joe Burrow potentially returning on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens
Joe Burrow returning against the Baltimore Ravens would obviously be a huge deal. It’s hard to disagree with Breech’s sentiment about it being “must-see TV” if this is the case. A Thanksgiving Day AFC North showdown between Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow has all the ingredients to be absolutely electric.
Another Potential Return Date
GettyJoe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown with Ja’Marr Chase #1 and Tee Higgins #5 against the New York Giants.
Breech brings up another possible return date if Burrow’s toe isn’t ready for a Thanksgiving meal with their heated-rival Baltimore Ravens:
“If Burrow isn’t feeling comfortable enough to return in Week 13 against the Ravens, he could hold off one week and return against the Bills on Dec. 7. In this instance, the Bengals could use their full 21-day practice window and then activate Burrow on Dec. 1, which would be the week of this game.”
This would also make sense. If the toe isn’t ready to go, a mini-bye week to get to Week 14 could very much be utilized for Burrow’s recovery. He will be returning in a major spot either way. A return against Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen during the playoff push is quite the time to make a return.
The Bengals have to stay afloat regardless if they want it to matter if Burrow returns. Burrow himself commented on this:
“Our division is wide open. Pittsburgh is 5-4 and we play them this week. Everything is still there in front of us. It’s very rare that our division looks like this, but it does this year. And so I think we’ll be at least in it until the end.”
Joe Burrow on the Bengals staying alive in the playoff race until his return
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