Joe Burrow stepped back onto the field, donning his Bengals uniform at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland for the Thanksgiving night clash against the Baltimore Ravens on November 27.
After missing nine games due to a turf toe injury, Burrow's return was highly anticipated. The Bengals secured a 32-14 victory over the Ravens, marking a triumphant comeback for the 28-year-old quarterback.
The injury, sustained in week two during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, required surgical intervention. Turf toe, as defined by medical experts, involves damage to the ligaments and soft tissues in the big toe joint, often affecting athletes who engage in high-impact sports.
Despite the Bengals' challenging 3-8 record for the 2025-2026 NFL season, head coach Zac Taylor hinted at Burrow's return on November 24. That same day, Burrow shared an Instagram Story featuring a mirror selfie reminiscent of a moment from 2014 when he celebrated LeBron James' return to the Cavaliers. The caption read, "He’s back."
Burrow had previously expressed his eagerness to play in the Thanksgiving game, describing it as "meaningful." He reflected on the loneliness of watching from the sidelines as his team struggled, noting that the experience was difficult. "You try to do what you can and just grind by yourself in the weight room and in the training room when trying to get right," he stated during a press conference on November 10.
Coach Taylor reassured fans about Burrow's readiness, stating he was "in good shape" and eager to contribute. "He’s worked really hard to get himself back," Taylor remarked on November 23. "He’s a football player. He wants to play football. We want to win football games."
As Burrow returned, Joe Flacco was designated as his backup quarterback. Taylor emphasized the importance of balancing Burrow's recovery with gameplay demands. "There’s a balance there of obviously him coming off of injury," he explained. "You want to be very mindful of that." The coach acknowledged that while precautions are necessary, the nature of the NFL means players must adapt quickly once on the field.
Since being drafted by the Bengals in 2020, Burrow has faced several injury setbacks. His rookie season was marred by a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus, requiring surgery. In 2023, he suffered a wrist ligament tear that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
What do you think?
More Like This
