Turning Point: How Can the Return of the Bengals Star Quarterback Boost Morale?
Sidelined as a result of a grade-three turf toe injury, Cincinnati’s star quarterback Joe Burrow made a surprise return to practice on Monday, November 10th. While his initial prognosis suggested that he would be taking a lengthy three-month absence, Burrow managed to cut his recovery time to a mere 57 days following the injury suffered during the Week Two victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though he remains on Injured Reserve, the opening of his 21-day practice window officially puts his return to game action on the horizon. With the Bengals facing a rollercoaster of a season, this premature return to the practice field immediately elevates expectations and begs the question: Can this comeback spark the momentum needed to salvage their season?
During Week Two’s victory over the Jaguars, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback suffered a toe injury, thrusting backup quarterback Jake Browning into the spotlight. However, any hope that Browning would uphold the team in place of Joe Burrow’s absence quickly dissolved as he went 0-3 as a starter. As a result of his inability to deliver results, the Bengals acquired Joe Flacco as a desperate attempt to help salvage their season. Although Flacco has kept the team somewhat afloat, the team is still at a 1-3 record under the leadership of the 40-year-old veteran quarterback.
Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor stated on Monday regarding his confidence in the situation, saying, “He’s done everything he can to get himself back on the field. Now this is the next stage in his progression.” Burrow himself noted the profound personal significance of this step, as he had not previously had the chance to return to play in the same year after suffering a major injury. This opportunity to be back on the field, although not yet participating in full-team drills, means a great deal to the quarterback and provides an undeniable boost to the team. While knowing that Burrow may not be able to play the Thanksgiving game against the Baltimore Ravens, his limited presence during practices is already providing the much-needed emotional confidence boost.
The psychological benefit of Burrow’s presence extends through the roster. Left tackle and captain Orlando Brown Jr. stated, “I'd be in here Tuesdays. He'd be here. Every day. I was in here this last week, and he's working his ass off to get back. It means something to him.” Furthermore, Brown Jr. referred to Burrow as “our engine”, and running back Chase Brown referred to Burrow’s return as “The Burrow Effect.” Burrow’s return has already had a positive effect on the team as a whole.
The team is currently sitting at an unfavorable 3-6 record and remains at the bottom of the AFC North. Burrow has 21 days to complete his practice window and become fully activated, but the Bengals are not granted the luxury of time to wait. They desperately need victories to quiet the naysayers and prove to their fans that they are still a proper contender for the playoffs. The question now is: Could this be the answer to curing the somber narrative surrounding the Bengals’ 2025 season?
