Joe Burrow injury update: Will Bengals QB return after turf toe vs Patriots?

Joe Burrow will not play for the Cincinnati Bengals against the New England Patriots in Week 12. The team has officially downgraded the quarterback to out for Sunday’s matchup at Paycor Stadium, keeping him on injured reserve as he recovers from a Grade 3 turf toe injury. Veteran Joe Flacco is set to start his sixth straight game under center.

Burrow had raised hopes by practicing fully during the week for the first time since his surgery. However, medical and roster decisions have gone against a rapid return, with the Bengals opting for at least one more game of caution. The focus now shifts to a possible comeback on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens or, failing that, in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills.

Joe Burrow injury update and Bengals’ latest decision

Burrow has been sidelined since Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. He suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury during a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15 after a sack by defensive tackle Arik Armstead. The damage affected his right big toe and required surgery, with an initial recovery timetable of at least three months.

This week brought the most encouraging signs yet. Burrow was cleared to return to practice and was a full participant in team sessions, taking first-team reps and testing his movement and push-off. Reports from local and national outlets noted that he was moving well and pushing hard for a potential Week 12 return.

Despite that progress, the Bengals chose the conservative route. On Saturday, the team downgraded Burrow from questionable to out and did not activate him from injured reserve. Multiple national reports confirmed that decision, and head coach Zac Taylor has turned again to Joe Flacco, who has handled the starting role in Burrow’s absence.

Flacco has started the last five games and will now make his sixth consecutive start against New England. Cincinnati’s medical staff and coaches appear to be weighing not only Burrow’s current health but also a demanding schedule that includes another game in just a few days on Thanksgiving.

The current internal hope, based on public comments and reporting, is that Burrow could realistically return on Thanksgiving night against the Ravens. If he is not cleared in time, Week 14 against the Bills on December 4 is viewed as the next logical target. None of those dates are guaranteed, but they frame the window the team is working with.

Bengals’ roster moves and what they mean for Week 12

While the Burrow decision grabs the headlines, Cincinnati has made several other notable roster moves ahead of the Patriots game. The Bengals activated tight end Mike Gesicki from the Reserve/Injured list. He had been out since October 15 with a pectoral injury and was designated to return earlier in the week.

Gesicki’s return gives Flacco another receiving option in the middle of the field and in the red zone. His size and route running can be valuable against a disciplined New England defense. For an offense that has struggled without its franchise quarterback, any added weapon is important.

The team also signed defensive end Isaiah Foskey from the practice squad to the active roster. Foskey, now in his third year, has appeared in limited action this season but offers depth in the pass rush rotation. With Cincinnati’s defense battling inconsistency, extra fresh legs on the edge could play a role in passing situations.

On the downside, the Bengals placed cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt on the Reserve/Injured list due to a foot injury suffered in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Losing a starting corner is a significant blow to a defense that has already struggled to contain explosive plays. Depth players will be asked to step into larger roles against a Patriots offense led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

All of these moves underscore where Cincinnati stands. The team is trying to stay competitive in the short term while also protecting its most important long-term asset in Burrow. With a 3–7 record and defensive issues, the Bengals are balancing slim playoff hopes with the need to avoid rushing their star quarterback.

What Burrow’s continued absence means for Bengals and fans

In the short term, Burrow’s absence keeps expectations tempered for Week 12. Flacco has shown he can operate the offense and push the ball downfield, but the unit has lacked the consistency and ceiling it has with Burrow. The matchup against a 9–2 Patriots team on a long winning streak is already a difficult one.

For fans, the latest Joe Burrow injury update is a mix of relief and frustration. Relief because he has clearly made substantial progress, returning to full practice and avoiding any reported setbacks. Frustration because his competitiveness and visible readiness have not yet translated into game snaps.

In the bigger picture, the Bengals are signaling that they will not sacrifice Burrow’s long-term health for a single regular-season game, even against a top AFC opponent. Protecting a quarterback recovering from a Grade 3 turf toe surgery is especially important, given how much the injury affects push-off, stability, and the ability to evade pressure inside the pocket.

For now, the confirmed reality is simple: Joe Burrow is out for Week 12 against the Patriots, Joe Flacco will start again, and all eyes now turn to Thanksgiving and beyond. The Joe Burrow injury update remains cautiously optimistic, but the final say will come only when he is fully cleared to return to game action.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Joe Burrow playing tomorrow against the Patriots?

No. The Bengals have downgraded Joe Burrow to out for Week 12 against the New England Patriots. He remains on injured reserve, and Joe Flacco will start at quarterback.

Q2: What is the latest Joe Burrow injury update for Week 12?

Burrow returned to full practice this week for the first time since his Grade 3 turf toe surgery. Despite that progress, he was not activated from injured reserve and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.

Q3: When could Joe Burrow realistically return from turf toe?

Based on current reporting, Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens is a key target, with Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills also viewed as a realistic option. His return is still dependent on clearance from team doctors and coaches.

Q4: Who is starting at quarterback for the Bengals vs Patriots?

Joe Flacco will make his sixth straight start for Cincinnati. He has handled the offense during Burrow’s absence and continues in the role while Burrow completes his recovery.

Q5: What other roster moves have the Bengals made for Week 12?

The Bengals activated tight end Mike Gesicki from injured reserve, promoted defensive end Isaiah Foskey to the active roster, and placed cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt on injured reserve with a foot injury.