What's Happening?
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has returned to practice after being sidelined due to a foot injury sustained in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The injury, which included turf toe and
significant ligament damage, required surgery and placed Burrow on injured reserve. The Bengals have now designated his return, initiating a 21-day practice window during which they must activate him. Burrow is expected to return in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, ahead of his initial recovery timeline.
Why It's Important?
Burrow's return is crucial for the Bengals, who are currently 3-6 and third in the AFC North division. With tough upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, the Bengals face a challenging path to the playoffs. Burrow's presence could boost their chances, although they currently have only a 2% chance of making the playoffs according to NFL.com. His return could energize the team and potentially improve their performance in the remaining divisional games.
What's Next?
The Bengals will need to activate Burrow within the 21-day window, and his return is anticipated for the Thanksgiving night game against the Ravens. The team must navigate upcoming games without him, aiming to stay competitive in the playoff race. The Bengals' performance in these games will be critical in determining their postseason prospects.
