'He's back': Joe Burrow set for return against Ravens on ThanksgivingAyrton Ostly, USA TODAYWed, November 26, 2025 at 8:35 PM UTC·2 min readCincinnati Bengals fans have one more thing to be thankful for this week.
Quarterback Joe Burrow will be back on the field for the first time since mid-September this week against AFC North rival Baltimore. The team confirmed as much today ahead of the Thanksgiving triple-header capped off by Ravens-Bengals.
Burrow last played in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in the second quarter and missed the subsequent nine games as the Bengals fell to 3-8 after a 2-0 start.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBurrow's surgery had a timetable that predicted a return in mid-December so this is a faster turnaround than many expected. Cincinnati needs him - plus some luck with the rest of the schedule - to have a shot at making the playoffs in a competitive AFC wild-card race.
Thanksgiving marks the first of two games between the Bengals and Ravens over the next three weeks. Cincinnati will take on the Buffalo Bills on the road next week, giving Burrow two marquee matchups immediately upon his return to the field.
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.Who is Joe Burrow's backup?
Joe Flacco will be Burrow's backup as he makes his return to the field. The Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns earlier this season after multiple losses with Jake Browning at quarterback for Burrow.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCincinnati's operated with three quarterbacks on its active roster with Burrow out: Flacco, Browning and Sean Clifford. Clifford will likely be moved off the active roster with Burrow back in action.
Cincinnati Bengals schedule
AFC North standings
Baltimore Ravens: 6-5 (2-0 AFC North)
Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-5 (2-1)
Cincinnati Bengals: 3-8 (2-1)
Cleveland Browns: 3-8 (0-4)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Burrow injury update: Bengals confirm QB's status for Thanksgiving
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