Bengals reportedly make decision on Joe Burrow ahead of Patriots game

When the New England Patriots step on the field at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, they won't be facing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

On Saturday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals are not activating Burrow from injured reserve before Saturday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. So the two-time Pro Bowler will remain sidelined until at least next week's Thanksgiving game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he'll have another chance to return from his turf toe injury.

That means the Patriots will likely be facing a Bengals team with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, without defensive end Trey Hendrickson and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

Burrow returned to the practice field this week with hopes of at least attempting to face the Patriots. But it seems like the Bengals are erring on the side of caution and allowing more time to prepare for his return. It would have been a brutal stretch facing the Patriots off an injury and then taking on the Ravens a few days later for a Thursday night game.

A win on Sunday would extend the Patriots' winning streak to nine consecutive games and potentially create even more separation from the rest of the AFC conference.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Bengals reportedly make decision on Joe Burrow ahead of Patriots game