Joe Burrow Set to Return on Thanksgiving Day

The Cincinnati Bengals have encountered significant challenges this season, entering the Thanksgiving week with a disappointing 3–8 record. However, they are finally receiving the news they have eagerly awaited: star quarterback Joe Burrow is making his return. After being sidelined for over two months due to a serious turf toe injury, Burrow is prepared to take the field on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens.

This upcoming matchup will not be straightforward. The Ravens currently hold a record of 6–5 and are enjoying a five-game winning streak, showcasing their finest performance of the season. Despite these challenges, Burrow’s return instills hope within the Bengals that they can conclude the season on a positive note.

Burrow’s Long Road Back

In Week 2, Burrow sustained a torn ligament in his left big toe following a tackle. This injury, commonly referred to as turf toe, made it extremely painful for him to push off with his foot, a vital action for quarterbacks during almost every play. He underwent surgery and engaged in months of rehabilitation just to regain his normal strength.

Initially, doctors anticipated Burrow's return around mid-December, making his comeback on Thanksgiving a significant milestone. His teammates have remarked that he has demonstrated increasing sharpness in practice each week and is moving with enhanced confidence on his rehabilitated toe.

What the Bengals Need From Him

Prior to his injury, Burrow led the entire NFL in passing yards and touchdowns during the 2024 season. In his absence, the Bengals have struggled to score and experienced close setbacks, such as last week’s narrow 26–20 defeat to the Patriots.

Veteran players like Tee Higgins and the promising rookie Mitchell Tinsley have stepped up at various moments, yet the offense has not performed at the same level as before. Cincinnati is optimistic that Burrow’s return will revitalize their deep-passing strategy and enable the offense to regain its rhythm.

The timing of Burrow’s return could not be more fortuitous. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase is concluding his one-game suspension and will also be back on the field. Running back Chase Brown is coming off one of the most impressive performances of his early career. For the first time in months, the Bengals' offense is beginning to resemble a cohesive unit once again.

A Thanksgiving Test

The Ravens will pose a formidable challenge for Burrow's return. Their defense has been characterized by speed, physicality, and toughness throughout their winning streak. If the Bengals hope to achieve an upset, they will require Burrow to safeguard the ball, their receivers to create quick separation, and their defense to contain Baltimore’s potent offense.

Nevertheless, Cincinnati maintains a sense of optimism. A victory on Thanksgiving, while not a remedy for their season, could potentially ignite a late-season surge and instill hope for the future among fans. With Joe Burrow back at the helm, the possibilities appear limitless once more in Cincinnati.