CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is one step nearer to returning to sport motion.
Burrow was a full participant at Wednesday’s observe, in line with the workforce’s damage report. It is the primary time the Professional Bowl quarterback has been 100% in observe since he suffered a turf toe damage on Sept. 14 in opposition to Jacksonville.
Wednesday additionally marked the primary time Burrow went by 11-on-11 drills in his return to observe. He’s nonetheless in a 21-day window that enables him to take part with out being on the energetic roster.
Earlier than observe, Bengals coach Zac Taylor was requested if Burrow may begin Sunday’s sport in opposition to the New England Patriots. Taylor was dismissive of the notion.
“Till we get by some practices, there is no purpose for me to even speculate on that,” Taylor mentioned.
Burrow has eyed Thanksgiving as a possible return date from the damage that required surgical procedure and has precipitated him to overlook the previous seven video games. After observe, Burrow didn’t provide any indication as to what his timeline may appear like.
When Burrow spoke to reporters final week, he indicated that the workforce’s report may play a think about whether or not he returns. Cincinnati (3-7) has misplaced seven of its previous eight video games and is on a three-game skid coming into Sunday’s house sport in opposition to the Patriots (9-2), who’re tied for the most effective report within the AFC.
“Proper now, he is of the mindset that he desires to play soccer for us,” Taylor mentioned Monday. “We’ll simply proceed to get by his rehab development and see the place that finally ends up earlier than we make any choice on how we need to proceed.”
Joe Flacco, who has began the previous 5 video games since being acquired by commerce, was restricted with a sprained proper shoulder. The 40-year-old veteran has performed by the damage since he suffered it towards the tip of the workforce’s Week 9 loss to the New York Jets on Oct. 26. In main as much as the previous two video games, the workforce has managed Flacco’s workload at first of the week.
Given Burrow’s timeline, it raises the likelihood that Sunday may very well be Flacco’s final scheduled begin in Cincinnati. Flacco instructed ESPN that even when he has not dwelled on the thought, it has crossed his thoughts.
“It is in your head somewhat bit to a sure extent,” Flacco mentioned. “However I actually am not that involved with it. I believe so long as I simply hold my head down and hold getting ready the way in which I’m after which form of act oblivious to it, then that’ll be the most effective for me.”
After a tough begin to the season with the Cleveland Browns, Flacco has flourished in Cincinnati, even with a harm throwing shoulder. Regardless of one win in 5 video games, Flacco has accomplished 63.4% of his passes for 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Flacco is within the last stretch of a one-year contract. He mentioned his stint with the Bengals has strengthened his perception he could be a beginning quarterback in 2026.
“Hopefully it reinforces it in any person’s thoughts that I can do it,” Flacco instructed ESPN. “I do nonetheless need to do it. I nonetheless really feel like I can do it. This clearly does assist with the arrogance of having the ability to do it and all that stuff.
“I would really like a chance, however you simply by no means know.”
