Bengals fans have been itching for any sign of optimism in what has become a highly disappointing season in Cincinnati. Although the playoffs are more than likely out of the picture, it looks like the Joe Flacco and Jake Browning days are over for the Bengals.
According to Adam Schefter, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said that he anticipates that Joe Burrow will play on Thanksgiving when the Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow has missed nine games, dating back to week two against Jacksonville, when he suffered a toe injury that was believed to be season ending.
Against all odds, Burrow has recovered from the injury and is expected to be active this week just over two months from the date of the injury.
Burrow to Return On Thanksgiving
Cincinnati is currently stuck on a four game losing streak, which was extended in week 12 with a home loss to the New England Patriots. This week, they’ll be taking on the similarly embattled Baltimore Ravens who also lost their star quarterback for a number of weeks.
Baltimore was able to get Lamar Jackson back quicker than the Bengals with Burrow though. Since his return, the Ravens have gone 4-0 and played themselves back into first place in the AFC North.
It would take a six game winning streak, along with some help from the Ravens and Steelers for the Bengals to try to climb back up the AFC North standings.
If nothing else, Burrow’s return to the field turns Cincinnati back into spoilers for their opponents in the final six games of the season. There was speculation that Burrow could return in week 12 to take on the Patriots and potentially play spoiler to the now No. 1 seed in the AFC, but the Bengals opted to rest him for one more week with a short week ahead of the Thanksgiving day game.
Burrow’s mettle cannot be understated as he returns from this injury. The perennial MVP candidate suffered a turf toe injury that can take as long as six months to heal, but somehow, even in what seems to be a lost season for his team, he’ll be back on the field after just nine weeks.
Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase Back
With Burrow’s return also comes the return of WR Ja’Marr Chase, who missed week 12 as he served a suspension for spitting on Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey in week 11.
One of the best QB-WR duos will reunite in the final game of Thanksgiving day in the NFL, as they look to put a stop to the Ravens winning streak.
Cincinnati will face Baltimore once more after this week, in week 15. They’ll also take on the Bills in week 14 and have a chance to put Buffalo in a tough spot coming down the stretch.
The Bengals acquired Joe Flacco from the Browns after Burrow’s injury in the hopes that he could at least hold serve until Burrow could return. He wasn’t able to do so as the season has taken a nosedive since week three.
Still, Burrow has one very special trophy to play for on Thanksgiving: a juicy turkey leg he’ll be able to enjoy on national TV with a win.
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