The Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) are heading to Pittsburgh for a massive AFC North showdown this Sunday against the Steelers (5-4).
While the Bengals will once again operate with veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback—who has played exceptionally well, completing over 65% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions in his four starts—the team received a welcome and unexpected development this week.
Cincinnati opened the 21-day window for QB Joe Burrow to return from the toe injury he suffered in Week 2, which was originally expected to keep him out until mid-to-late December.
If Burrow does return within this 21-day window, which began earlier in the week, he could be in position to play in Week 13 on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens or in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.
Burrow’s return to practice drew a strong reaction from his partner in crime, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who called him a little “crazy.”
“I’m pretty sure Joe wants to be out there,” Chase said.
When asked if Burrow was “a little crazy,” Chase responded, “Yeah — not a little, yeah.”
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Chase was a bit surprised by Burrow’s quick return, but he praised his work ethic, personality, and sheer love for the game.
“It was pretty fast. I didn’t expect it to be so fast,” Chase said of Burrow’s return. “I think his personality makes him unique. The way he approaches the game makes him crazy. How much he loves the game makes him crazy. That’s how much passion he has behind that. And nothing’s wrong with that. He just wants to win. You need people around you like that.”
Burrow’s return will likely depend on how the team performs over the next two games against the Steelers and the New England Patriots. If they can go 1-1 or 2-0, the Bengals would position themselves back in the thick of the AFC North race.
A win against Pittsburgh would give them a season sweep over the Steelers and a 3-0 division record, which would carry significant weight heading into the final stretch, potentially coinciding with Burrow’s return to the field.
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