Bengals coach expects QB Joe Burrow to play Thanksgiving vs. RavensChris Bumbaca, USA TODAYMon, November 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM UTC·1 min readCincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Nov. 24 that he expects quarterback Joe Burrow to start during the team's Thanksgiving Day contest against the Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock).
Burrow's return would end a nine-game absence caused by a Grade 3 turf toe injury suffered in the Bengals' second game of the season. Since then, they have turned to Jake Browning (four games) at the quarterback spot and traded for Joe Flacco (five games).
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe estimated timeline from Burrow's surgery to returning to game action was three months, which pointed to a return sometime in mid-December.
After a 2-0 start, the Bengals are 3-8 and tied for the second-worst point-differential in the league (minus-112).
The Bengals will be without one of Burrow's top targets in receiver Tee Higgins, while the Cincinnati defense will be minus its best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson.
Baltimore has won five straight to surge to the top of the AFC North, a race for which the Bengals trail by three games with six to play.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Burrow injury updates: QB expected to play Thanksgiving vs. Ravens
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