The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the more fascinating teams to keep an eye on for Week 12. With a matchup against the New England Patriots on tap and the dire need for a win, there is some uncertainty over the team's starting quarterback.
Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco are the options in Cincinnati, but the Bengals making Burrow the starter would be at least a week earlier than some anticipated.
But, as Ben Baby of ESPN noted, the Bengals' Thursday practice report hints at who could wind up starting for Cincinnati in Week 12 against the Patritos.
Bengals practice report hints at Joe Burrow returning in Week 12
"Bengals QB Joe Burrow was a full participant for the second straight day." Baby reports. "QB Joe Flacco limited for the second straight day. First time Flacco has not been full-go on a Thursday since becoming the starter."
Burrow being a full participant, taking all of the first-team reps, with Flacco limited and not getting in as much work with the starters as Burrow, is a sign that the Bengals might finally be getting their franchise quarterback back.
If Burrow does return for Week 12 against the Patriots, it would come after ten weeks of not playing, and would be a tough wreck to come back to.
Burrow left the Bengals' Week 2 matchup early, which the Bengals went on to win and start 2-0. In the ten weeks since, the Bengals have gone 1-7, dropping games started by Jake Browning and Flacco.
More: Bengals' Zac Taylor reveals key Joe Burrow update ahead of Week 12
While Flacco has been limited at practice before, this, coinciding with Burrow's return to practice in a full capacity, is a very notable change.
Despite the belief that Burrow could return as early as Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, Burrow might wind up returning for Week 12 against the Patriots.
At 3-7, the Bengals don't have much wiggle room to make the playoffs. They need to get some help, and also nearly win out. While the defense needs to improve, Burrow's return should provide a positive spark to the organization.
That spark might come for Week 12, at least one week earlier than most expected when his 21-day practice window opened. Burrow might return against Drake Maye and the Patriots in Week 12, as this Thursday's practice report hints at Burrow's return.
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