Is Joe Burrow nearing a return for the Bengals?

RC Nazemi

•
Is Joe Burrow nearing a return for the Bengals? image

Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals have had a rough season. They are currently sitting at 3-7, and third in the AFC North, with little hope of making the playoffs. 

They attempted to shore up their defense by parting ways this last offseason with DC Lou Anarumo, but there has been little to no improvement over last season. 

Outside of a poor defense, offensive line play has continued to be abysmal, as it has been for the bulk of Joe Burrow's career. This season, it came back to bite them again as Burrow was diagnosed with turf toe against the Jaguars on September 14th. 

Backup, Jake Browning came in and looked nowhere near what he was in prior seasons when coming in to assist. The team eventually went out and signed NFL journeyman Joe Flacco, which had its ups and downs, but mostly downs. 

Finally, while the season may be too far gone, the Cincinnati faithful got a glimmer of hope for the rest of the season. 

More: How Joe Burrow's return could spark Bengals playoff push

Joe Burrow was a full participant in practice

For the first time since his injury, Joe Burrow returned to the team and was already back to getting reps with the first team. 

The Bengals, and the NFL frankly, have missed one of the premier quarterbacks in the league for most of the season. It's great for both parties to see Burrow back healthy.

 It would take an absolutely Herculean effort for the Bengals to squeeze into the playoffs, essentially needing to win out. By The Athletic's Playoff Simulator, the Bengals have a less than 1% chance of obtaining a bid.

With games still to be played against the Patriots, Bills, and Ravens twice, it will be no small task. In the NFL though, crazy things happen every single week, who knows. 

More NFL News: 

Contributing Writer