The New England Patriots do not know which of the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterbacks they will be facing this Sunday, but they are making sure to be ready either way.
According to acting defensive coordinator
Zak Kuhr, the team is “preparing for both” Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco ahead of Week 12.
“Flacco is a great quarterback, that’s why he’s been doing it for so long. And then Burrow, a great quarterback,” Kuhr said about the two passers. “Somewhat similar styles how they operate. Obviously, they have some different physical features to them.”
The Bengals entered the 2025 season with Burrow as their undisputed starting quarterback, but he sustained a turf toe injury in Week 2. The former first overall draft pick underwent surgery to address the issue, and has been sidelined ever since; he officially remains on the injured reserve list with the designation to return.
During his absence, Cincinnati initially turned to backup quarterback Jake Browning before acquiring Flacco via trade from the Cleveland Browns. While the team won only one of five games since adding the veteran to the mix, he has played some solid football. That said, at 3-7 on the year and facing a grim playoff outlook, the Bengals do need any help they can get.
Burrow would provide that, and he is trending in a positive direction. After returning to practice on Nov. 11, he was upgraded to full participation on Wednesday and took 11-on-11 reps for the first time since his injury. Flacco, meanwhile, was limited with a right shoulder injury.
Thursday was more of the same in that regard, which at least makes Burrow returning for Sunday’s a possibility. The Patriots’ preparation, however, will be unaffected either way.
“As far as game-planning and all that, I don’t think much changes,” said Kuhr. “They operate the same system. Zac [Taylor] does a good job of keeping the continuity within the scheme. So, I don’t think much would change from that.”
