Throughout the week leading up to the Cincinnati Bengals' game against the New England Patriots, encouraging reports emerged from the Bengals' facility indicating that Joe Burrow was trending in the right direction.
He was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and while listed as questionable, there was some optimism that Burrow could return in Week 12 against the Patriots.
However, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports, the Bengals are not getting their franchise quarterback back just yet, as Joe Flacco is in line for one more start with Burrow staying on Injured Reserve.
Bengals make final Week 12 injury decision with Joe Burrow
"Bengals QB Joe Burrow, attempting to come back just over two months after surgery to repair Grade 3 turf toe, won't be moved to the active roster just yet, source said." Rapoport reports, "He'll remain on IR. Joe Flacco starts once again. But Burrow's time is coming."
The Bengals are without their franchise quarterback for one more week, as Flacco, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns earlier in the year after Jake Browning struggled in Burrow's relief, will get potentially his last start this season in Week 12.
Burrow's return is imminent, but for at least Week 12, the Bengals are holding Burrow back. Flacco is making his fifth start with the Bengals and will try to beat a 9-2 Patriots team that appears to be heading towards the number one seed in the AFC.
More: Ja'Marr Chase suspension: Why spitting incident with Jalen Ramsey led to one-game ban
Flacco will be without superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, as he was suspended one game for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Rams ey during the Bengals' Week 11 loss. Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, and Noah Fant will be Flacco's top targets.
At 3-7, the Bengals need a win desperately, but instead of bringing Burrow back, they're handing the keys back to Flacco for one more week.
Burrow now sets his sights on a return in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night. That's a pivotal matchup for the Bengals, as a win could keep their playoff hopes alive, even if they lose in Week 12 to the Patriots.
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- Bengals' Zac Taylor reveals key Joe Burrow update ahead of Week 12