Will Joe Burrow play in Week 12? Pro Football Doc believes Burrow appears poised to return to action as the Cincinnati Bengals fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Burrow, who returned to practice last week, was upgraded to a full participant this week for the first time since suffering a significant turf toe injury in the Bengals’ Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The quarterback was forced to exit in the second quarter, and subsequent imaging revealed a Grade 3 turf toe sprain on his left foot, a complete tear of the stabilizing soft tissue in the big toe joint, and the most severe form of the injury.
Pro Football Doc Dr. David Chao said he originally believed Burrow would not return this season, given the injury grade. “Yes, originally, I did say that I did not think he would return this season,” Chao said. “I stand by that he’s not 100%, but the Bengals are going to play Joe Burrow out of desperation. Their backs are to the wall.”
At 3–7, Cincinnati faces a must-win situation against the New England Patriots. “They can't even wait for the Thanksgiving game against division rival Baltimore Ravens,” Chao said. “An eighth loss means 9–8 even if they run the table, and you need a lot of luck to get into the playoffs.”
While Burrow’s mobility remains limited, Chao believes his skill set still gives Cincinnati its best chance. “Because it’s his front foot, he can still sling the ball, step into throws, and be accurate downfield,” he said. Chao added that Burrow is likely to operate almost exclusively out of the shotgun to reduce stress on his injured foot. “You won’t see Joe Burrow under center because he’s not 100%, and it’s hard to push off that left foot and get back.”
The Bengals are expected to choose Burrow over veteran backup Joe Flacco, who is dealing with a right AC joint sprain. “Would you take a Joe Burrow in the pocket — not as mobile, not running, and purely out of shotgun — and play him over Joe Flacco? I think everyone’s answer is yes,” Chao said.
Originally, I said Joe Burrow would not return this season. While he’s still not 100%, he will play this week! Here’s what to expect from him in Week 12.
Cincinnati will continue evaluating Burrow through the week, but signs point toward the former MVP candidate returning in a critical AFC matchup.
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