Quarterback Joe Burrow has spent most of the season sidelined by injury, leaving the Cincinnati Bengals without their franchise leader. With a crucial matchup against the New England Patriots this week and Burrow now recovered from surgery, fans hoped to see him back on the field. That return, however, will have to wait.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Bengals were considered one of the AFC’s top contenders. But the turf toe injury Burrow suffered in Week 2 derailed those expectations and left the team struggling.
The sixth-year quarterback underwent surgery on September 14. Doctors projected a three-month recovery, and this week Burrow finally returned to practice.
Reports indicated he was a full participant in midweek sessions, though limited on Friday. Fans anticipated his comeback this Saturday, but the Bengals had other plans.
The Burrow update that broke fans’ hearts
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported today that the Bengals have ruled Burrow out of their Week 12 game against the Patriots, keeping veteran Joe Flacco as the starter.
“QB Joe Burrow, attempting to come back just over two months after surgery to repair Grade 3 turf toe,” Rapoport wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Team sources confirmed Burrow will remain on injured reserve.
“[Burrow] won’t be moved to the active roster just yet,” a source told Rapoport. “Joe Flacco starts once again. But Burrow’s time is coming.”
Head coach Zac Taylor added that while Burrow is in good shape and eager to return, the priority remains his long-term health.
Why the Bengals are sticking with Flacco
Taylor explained that Burrow has done everything possible to accelerate his recovery. Still, the risk of rushing him back is too high. “I have to take into account what the odds are for him. He’s coming back from an injury. He’s been out for a long time,” Taylor said.
The coach emphasized Burrow’s determination and mindset but confirmed Flacco will start against the Patriots at Paycor Stadium.
Flacco joined the Bengals in late September via a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Since his arrival, Cincinnati has gone 1-4, and hopes of upsetting a Patriots team viewed as a Super Bowl contender appear slim.
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