Why Is Cris Collinsworth Missing From Bengals Ravens Game Today?

Cris Collinsworth is not working the Bengals vs Ravens Thanksgiving game on November 27, 2025, and NBC has confirmed his absence. The longtime broadcaster is taking his usual Thanksgiving break, which he has done in past seasons. Fans noticed his missing voice quickly, as he recently celebrated his 500th NFL broadcast.

NBC assigned Mike Tirico, Jason Garrett, and Melissa Stark to the primetime AFC North matchup. The news was confirmed by Bengals reporter Jay Morrison, who shared that Collinsworth does not work Thanksgiving games. His absence comes during an important divisional clash with major questions surrounding Joe Burrow’s status.

Why Is Cris Collinsworth Taking Thanksgiving Off?

Cris Collinsworth has a long-standing tradition of taking Thanksgiving off to spend time with family. He followed the same schedule last year and continues it in 2025. The NBC analyst has had one of the longest-running careers in NFL broadcasting, covering more than 500 games across 52 stadiums since 1990.

His career includes major roles on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, HBO’s Inside the NFL, and Fox Sports. He reached his 17th season as NBC’s lead color analyst in 2025. Because of this workload, the Thanksgiving break serves as a rare pause in a demanding schedule. NBC rotates its analysts occasionally for holiday games, and Collinsworth is among those who step away during the holiday.

Despite his absence from the broadcast booth, the Bengals vs Ravens matchup remains high-stakes. Baltimore entered Thanksgiving at 6–5 and holding the AFC North lead, while Cincinnati faces uncertainty at quarterback. Head coach Zac Taylor has said the decision about Joe Burrow will be made cautiously.

What Joe Burrow’s Status Means for the Bengals

Joe Burrow has been sidelined since Week 2 with a turf toe injury that required significant recovery time. He returned to practice this week, and Taylor said he “looks in good shape” while preparing. The team, however, is determined not to rush him into action. The Bengals dropped eight of their last nine games without Burrow, increasing the pressure around the decision.

Taylor also emphasized confidence in Joe Flacco, noting that the veteran quarterback “has given us every opportunity.” Flacco’s recent interception return touchdown against the New England Patriots shifted momentum, but coaches maintain he is not being ruled out. The Bengals must weigh long-term quarterback health against the urgency of the AFC North race.

Collinsworth, during a previous Rams vs Buccaneers broadcast, called the Burrow decision “a really interesting decision.” He cautioned that risking a franchise quarterback’s health is never simple. Burrow’s potential return would boost the Bengals’ hopes, but the final call depends on medical evaluations and game-day readiness.

Cris Collinsworth’s absence from the Bengals vs Ravens game is simply part of his yearly Thanksgiving routine. His break aligns with his longstanding broadcasting schedule, while NBC’s substitute crew handles one of the season’s most anticipated AFC North matchups.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Cris Collinsworth not calling the Bengals Ravens game?

He takes Thanksgiving off each year. NBC confirmed he is not scheduled for holiday broadcasts.

Q2: Who is replacing Cris Collinsworth for the Thanksgiving broadcast?

Mike Tirico, Jason Garrett, and Melissa Stark are leading the NBC broadcast crew.

Q3: Does Cris Collinsworth always skip Thanksgiving games?

Yes. He took Thanksgiving off last year and has done so regularly throughout his career.

Q4: Is Joe Burrow expected to return soon?

Burrow has returned to practice and “looks good,” according to Zac Taylor. The team is evaluating him cautiously.

Q5: How many games has Cris Collinsworth broadcast in his career?

He recently celebrated his 500th NFL broadcast, marking more than three decades in the industry.