The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a tough Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Falling to 3-7 after a 34-12 loss, the Bengals are in danger of missing the playoffs.
While the season is in danger of unraveling, the Bengals are fortunately set to get Joe Burrow back soon. The only question is how soon he is to return, and will Burrow return if the Bengals are eliminated from the playoffs?
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shared Zac Taylor's update on Burrow, and it's some good news. Not only is Burrow trending in the right direction, seeing his workload increase, but he's also set to return for Cincinnati, no matter the Bengals' record.
Zac Taylor reveals encouraging Joe Burrow Bengals update
"Bengals QB Joe Burrow did 7-on-7 in practice last week, felt good and could reintegrate into some 11-on-11 work this week, coach Zac Taylor said," reports Pelissero.
This increase in responsibility in practice is a good sign for Burrow. Giving him more important practice reps means that Burrow is working towards a return.
While he's not set to come back for Week 12, a Week 13 or Week 14 return is very much in the cards for the Bengals franchise quarterback.
But, by then, it might be too late. Against the 9-2 New England Patriots in Week 12, a 3-8 record heading into Week 13 is very possible.
And if Burrow isn't back by then, and Cincinnati loses to the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving, then a 3-9 record would have the Bengals all but eliminated from playoff contention.
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But, Taylor revealed that Burrow's return isn't dependent on where the Bengals are in the standings. "He's of the mindset that he wants to play football for us," Taylor said.
Even if Cincinnati is 3-9, Burrow could still return for their Week 14 matchup, the most likely return date for Burrow.
This two-part update from Pelissero on Burrow is some positive news. Not only is Burrow trending in the right direction in practice, but his return to the lineup won't be determined by the Bengals' record.
As long as Burrow is healthy, the Bengals will start him regardless of their record. A Week 13 or 14 return is most likely, as the Bengals might finally get their franchise quarterback back after he's missed the entire season since Week 2.
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