In a season that’s felt more like a hospital drama than a football campaign, the Cincinnati Bengals are clinging to hope by a thread. And that thread’s name is Joe Burrow. After a four-game skid that has fans checking the 2026 draft order more than the current standings, the franchise quarterback is finally set to make his much-anticipated return.
Head Coach Zac Taylor gave the update everyone was waiting for. When asked about Burrow’s status for the Thanksgiving night showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor said, “I anticipate him playing,” he said, adding that Burrow “looks like he’s in good shape to be ready to go.”
Can Joe Burrow Save a Sinking Ship?
Let’s be real, the situation is grim. The Bengals are sitting at 3-8, and ESPN’s Football Power Index gives them a whopping 1% chance to make the playoffs. Logic says they should pack it in, let Burrow heal completely, and angle for a top draft pick. But football players aren’t paid to be logical; they’re paid to play football. And nobody embodies that spirit more than Burrow.
Despite the long odds, Taylor is adamant about competing. “Losing is the worst,” he said. “We’re going to get ready for Thursday…and go find a win.” It’s the only mentality you can have when your back is against the wall.
The Walking Wounded
Unfortunately, the quarterback’s return doesn’t magically heal the rest of the team. The Bengals’ injury report is longer than a CVS receipt. Key Wide Receiver Tee Higgins is officially out for the Ravens game as he recovers from a concussion. Defensive standout Trey Hendrickson will also be watching from the sidelines. It’s a brutal blow, taking away one of Burrow’s most reliable targets and a defensive cornerstone for a must-win divisional game.
This means Ja’Marr Chase will have to shoulder an even bigger load, with a supporting cast of Chase Brown, Mike Gesicki, and others stepping up. It is a tall order against a tough Ravens team, but with Burrow under center, the impossible suddenly feels a little more plausible. The stage is set for a primetime holiday clash. Can Burrow, just 69 days post-surgery, be the spark that ignites a miracle run? Cincinnati holds its breath.
