Is Joe Burrow Playing Today? Injury Update for Bengals vs. Patriots

Joe Burrow is not playing today in the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. The quarterback remains sidelined with a turf toe injury that has kept him out since Week 2. His status became clear after the team chose not to activate him from injured reserve.

The Bengals held out hope earlier in the week when Burrow practiced fully for the first time since surgery. His progress raised questions about a possible early return. But team decisions confirmed he still needs more time before taking the field again.

Latest Details on Joe Burrow’s Week 12 Injury Status

Cincinnati listed Joe Burrow as questionable entering the week. He participated fully in practice sessions, according to multiple reports, and appeared ahead of schedule. However, the team opted not to activate him, keeping him out for today’s game. This decision allows veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to start again for Cincinnati.

Burrow has not played since Week 2, when he suffered a turf toe injury against Jacksonville. He later underwent surgery. Early medical expectations suggested he would return in December. His full participation in practice shows meaningful progress, but the team is not rushing his comeback. Officials noted that his return is trending positively for Week 13.

Trusted outlets such as Reuters and AP previously reported that Burrow’s recovery had been steady. Coaches stressed caution to avoid setbacks. Cincinnati has only three days between this game and its Thanksgiving night matchup against Baltimore. A return in Week 13 is possible if his medical evaluations continue to improve.

The Bengals have struggled without him. Cincinnati won both games Burrow started, although backup Jake Browning closed out the Week 2 victory. The offense has lacked consistency in his absence. His eventual return may give the team a much-needed lift heading into a critical stretch of the season.

What Burrow’s Absence Means Moving Forward

Burrow missing another game continues a challenging season for Cincinnati. The quarterback remains the centerpiece of the team’s identity. His absence forces the offense to adjust every week. Joe Flacco’s experience offers stability, but the team’s ceiling rises significantly only when Burrow is on the field.

Fans and analysts have focused on the upcoming short turnaround. The Thanksgiving matchup against Baltimore is one of Cincinnati’s most important games of the year. The team hopes Burrow can return for that game if he clears final medical testing. His availability would change both the tone and the momentum of the Bengals’ late-season push.

Joe Burrow will not play today, but his progress is real. Cincinnati now shifts attention to Week 13, where Burrow may finally return. His health remains the team’s biggest storyline as the season enters a decisive stretch.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Joe Burrow playing today?

No. Joe Burrow is out for Week 12. The Bengals did not activate him from injured reserve.

Q2: When will Joe Burrow return?

The team hopes he can return in Week 13. His full practices this week were a positive sign.

Q3: What injury is keeping Joe Burrow out?

He is recovering from a turf toe injury that required surgery earlier in the season.

Q4: Who is starting for the Bengals today?

Joe Flacco is starting again with Burrow unavailable.

Q5: How has Cincinnati played without Burrow?

The Bengals have struggled to find rhythm. They only have a few wins since his injury.