TL;DR
- * Joe Burrow is out with a Grade 3 turf toe injury requiring surgery.
- * He is expected to return by mid-December, possibly for Week 15 or 16.
- * Joe Flacco has provided some optimism, but the Jets loss hurt.
- * The Bengals need to stay competitive until Burrow's return for playoff hopes.
The Cincinnati Bengals are attempting to navigate this challenging period without their quarterback, Joe Burrow.
Burrow is, naturally, dealing with an dealing with a Grade 3 turf toe injury that necessitated surgery and is anticipated to keep him out of action for a considerable duration.
Initially, it seemed the Bengals' season was beyond saving, especially after Jake Browning's significant struggles while filling in.
While Joe Flacco has provided some renewed optimism that the Bengals can remain competitive until Burrow's return, their Week 8 defeat against the New York Jets undoubtedly hampered that prospect.
But precisely how much time must the Bengals endure before Burrow's return? Here's the information we have.
When can Joe Burrow be expected to return?
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Oct. 22 that Burrow's rehab "is going excellent" and the expectation is he will be back by mid-December.
"If they beat the Jets and they go to 4-4, with the way the AFC North is shaping up, the way that Joe Burrow is rehabbing, which from everything I've been told is going excellent, meaning he could be back mid-December, "Adding another player at the deadline would be a very sensible move for Cincinnati," Schultz stated.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport also reported on Oct. 16 that mid-December is, in fact, when Burrow is expected back, assuming all goes well in his recovery.
"He is on track (and) doing well, has had no setbacks" Rapoport said of the Bengals quarterback. "Which means, if this continues in this direction, he should be back on the field mid-December and has told people close to him he absolutely intends to be back, just need the team to stay alive until then."
Burrow's potential return in mid-December suggests he could be back by the month's end. 14 for the Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens. If not, Week 16 (Dec. The Miami Dolphins might be the subsequent target date.
If the Bengals can just stay around.500, the Bengals could go on a run with Burrow in the final three or four games to get themselves into the playoffs.
NFL team movement
- Trade rumor gives details of Eagles-Dolphins Jaelan Phillips talks
- Ravens, 49ers trade rumors set stage for BAL-SF deadline struggle
- Vikings trade rumor could lead to deal with Giants or Falcons
- Steelers trade rumor lists wide receiver targets for Pittsburgh
- Lions, Eagles trade rumors set up Philly vs. Detroit deadline fight
- Cowboys trade rumor could lead to deal with Chiefs or Bills