Joe Burrow's Week 12 playing status receives a surprising injury update for The Bengals.

Matt Sullivan

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Bengals’ Joe Burrow gets unexpected injury update for Week 12 playing status image

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TL;DR

  • Bengals face crucial Week 12 game against New England Patriots.
  • Joe Burrow's recovery from turf toe injury shows positive progress.
  • Burrow practiced fully, potentially returning sooner than expected.
  • Zac Taylor is evaluating information for Burrow's Week 12 availability.

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a very important Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. While their Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers forced Cincinnati to fall to 3-7 and likely out of the playoffs, they still have a fighting chance.

However, a defeat in Week 12 might signify the conclusion of any comeback attempt, as a 3-8 standing would effectively remove the Bengals from playoff consideration.

During a 700WLW appearance, Zac Taylor shared a surprising and positive update regarding Joe Burrow's recovery from a turf toe injury.

Joe Burrow receives surprising injury news ahead of Week 12

When asked directly if Burrow had any possibility of playing in Week 12 versus the Patriots, Taylor's response, which Lance McCallister of 700WLW shared, offered a unique perspective on his healing process.

"Well, I'm not there yet," Taylor said in response to Burrow playing in Week 12, "We will use the time we have and come up with the best decision.... I wish I could (answer whether Burrow is starting). I had a decision today. I'm going to take in all the information."

An intriguing development regarding Burrow has surfaced. His anticipated return was slated for Week 13 on Thanksgiving Day versus the Baltimore Ravens, representing the earliest possible comeback, though Week 14 was considered his more probable return.

Taylor's remarks suggest Burrow could be back by Week 12, facing the Patriots. This would represent a significantly faster recovery than the initially anticipated Week 14 return.

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He practiced in full on Wednesday's practice in 11-on-11, further indicating that Burrow is, if nothing else, closing in on a return.

For Burrow to be cleared to play, he must still be evaluated and demonstrate positive progress during Thursday's practice, though it's no longer out of the realm of possibility.

Despite a potential additional week of inactivity, the news about Burrow resuming practice this week strongly suggests he might be back on the field in Week 13.

According to Taylor, it remains to be seen if Burrow will be completely healthy and ready for Sunday. The outlook for Burrow and the Bengals is positive for a Week 12 comeback.

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Editorial Team