The Cincinnati Bengals are so close to getting quarterback Joe Burrow back from injury.
Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 that was expected to sideline him until mid-December, at the earliest, but he was designated to return from injured reserve last week and took part in practice.
This week, Burrow turned in three full practices, but that simply wasn't enough for the Bengals to clear him to play in Week 12 and he was ultimately ruled out.
Here's what we know about Burrow's return timeline moving forward.
Joe Burrow return timeline
All signs are pointing to Burrow returning for the Week 13 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Bengals have been targeting next week's Thanksgiving contest as the return date for Burrow since last month.
Burrow has also stated he is aiming to return by Thanksgiving.
Based on all that and the fact that Burrow was a full participant in practice all of this past week, it's fair to believe that the Bengals superstar will make his return next week against the Ravens.
Why Joe Burrow isn't playing in Week 12
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said during the week that the quick turnaround from Week 12 to Week 13 would factor into the equation of whether or not Burrow would suit up.
"You play a game Sunday, you play a game Thursday, you got to factor in all that stuff," Taylor said. "He has tried to put himself in a position to be ready to go and we'll try to make a decision later."
"I have to take into account what I think is best for him. He's coming back off an injury. He's been out for a long time," he added. "I know he's of the right mindset and has done everything physically, and then I have to take into account what's the best thing for him, what's the best thing for our team and make the soundest decision."
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that the Bengals wanted to give Burrow an extra week to heal up and the plan was never to play him in Week 12.
“The call to give Bengals QB Joe Burrow another few days to heal up came on Friday after practice — with Zac Taylor prioritizing protecting Burrow, who'd pushed to play," Breer reported. "Initial plan was never to play him vs. NE."
It is at least a bit surprising to see the Bengals not pushing the issue to start Burrow. After all, the Bengals' playoff hopes are on life support and one more loss might doom their chances of making the postseason.
With Burrow sidelined this week, veteran Joe Flacco will get another start.
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