Well, here we are again… Another gut-wrenching loss this week as Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals have dropped eight of the last nine games following a 26-20 loss to the New England Patriots.
The Bengals had a chance to win this one (like many other losses this season) and likely would have if Joe Burrow had made his return today.
Burrow practiced all week and was trending to shock everyone with his return from the toe injury against the Patriots, but the Bengals staff felt he needed a few more days late in the week.
Bengals fans have been confused about the decision, especially if Taylor wants to get back into the division race, because he seemed ready to go, while Joe Flacco continues to struggle through an AC joint sprain in his shoulder.
Had the Bengals stolen today’s game against the Pats, there may have been something to truly play for on Thanksgiving with how open the AFC North currently is.
After the game, Taylor was asked about Burrow’s potential return on Thanksgiving vs. the Baltimore Ravens, and he quickly responded with “I’m not going to declare anything for Thursday yet.”
With the Zac Taylor-led Bengals now sitting at 3-8, the question truly needs to be asked if it is worth it for Burrow to come back this season or simply let Flacco finish things out.
The franchise QB has made it clear he plans to play again this season, no matter what, but it may be time to shut it down and look to rebuild for 2026.
We shall see what happens, but if I had to guess, Burrow will return on Thanksgiving night. But at worst, Burrow looks like a virtual lock to return by the time Cincinnati faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.
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