Joe Burrow injury update: Bengals QB's practice status takes drastic turn ahead of Patriots game

The return of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow may take place a lot sooner than previously expected. Burrow’s 21-day window recently opened, and while he is still on injured reserve, he took first-team reps during practice on Wednesday. Possibly a sign the franchise guy might get back on the field in the near future.

“Bengals QB Joe Burrow was listed as a full participant on today’s injury report, meaning he took all the first-team reps for the first time since surgery,” Pelissero said via X. “Joe Flacco (right shoulder) was limited; Zac Taylor said he wouldn’t throw. So, more reps for Burrow, who’s still on IR.”

Burrow suffered turf toe and has spent most of the 2025 season watching from the sideline due to turf toe. Jake Browning originally took over but the Bengals made a rare in-division trade to acquire Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. Ever since then, Flacco has done a nice job keeping the ship above water.

However, there is no doubt who Cincinnati wants out there. If Burrow is healthy, he will be tasked with another late-season push after beginning with season with a 3-7 record. Making the playoffs may be out of the equation but an attempt will at least take place.

In two games played, Burrow has thrown for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Those were both games the Bengals wound up winning, meaning they are 1-7 in his absence. Not everything can be blamed on not having Burrow, as Cincinnati is also home to one of the NFL’s worst defenses.

Sunday begins a tough stretch, hosting the New England Patriots. A game against the Buffalo Bills is sandwiched between two showdowns vs. an AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow will return at some point due to his practice window opening — it might just come quite quickly.

Cincinnati Bengals to be without Ja’Marr Chase vs. New England

Whether or not Burrow gets out there against New England, they will be without star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. He lost an appeal to his one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. A huge blow for the Bengals, losing one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

“Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase’s appeal of his one game suspension was denied,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said via X. “Chase now will be forced to sit out Sunday’s game vs. the Patriots and forfeit over $507,000 in lost wages.”