Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, is set to return to the lineup on Thursday (November 27) against the Baltimore Ravens after missing the previous nine games with a severe turf toe injury.

Burrow, who underwent surgery in September following a Week 2 sack by Jacksonville’s Arik Armstead, has practiced fully for more than a week and was officially activated from injured reserve Wednesday. His return will give the 3-8 Bengals their franchise leader back under center for the first time since September 14, even if postseason hopes are long gone.

Is Joe Burrow playing today?

Joe Burrow is confirmed to suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals in NFL Week 13. The former LSU standout has sat out the past nine games due to a nagging toe injury, but his 21-day practice window opened on November 10, paving the way for this comeback.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the news, stating he expected Joe Burrow to play on Thanksgiving. Burrow himself teased the reveal with an Instagram story, a photo of him in a LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers jersey, captioned simply, “He’s back.”

Though Burrow couldn’t suit up for last week’s loss to the New England Patriots, he ramped up to full practices all week. This gradual build-up ensures he is game-ready against a Ravens defense.

What happened to Joe Burrow?

Joe Burrow’s nightmare began in Week 2 during a gritty 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sacked by defensive tackle Arik Armstead in the first half, the QB jammed his left foot into the turf as he twisted to the ground. He crumpled, clutching his toe, and needed trainers’ help to hobble off the field, unable to bear full weight.

Ruled out for the rest of that game, scans revealed a severe Grade 3 turf toe sprain, a ligament tear in the big toe joint. It’s a quarterback’s worst foe, disrupting plant-and-throw mechanics. Burrow underwent surgery shortly after, with a projected three-month recovery.

Bengals record without Joe Burrow

The team limped to a dismal 1-8 record in Joe Burrow’s absence, highlighting his irreplaceable role in their high-octane offense. Their sole bright spot? A thrilling 33-31 upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football, where backup Joe Flacco shone with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Defensive lapses and inconsistent play-calling plagued the Bengals, dropping them from preseason contenders to cellar-dwellers in the AFC North.

The Bengals cut practice squad QB Sean Clifford to clear space for Burrow’s activation, signalling full commitment to their franchise face.