The Bengals will have to wait a little longer for Joe Burrow’s return.
They are not activating him off injured reserve ahead of Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline, according to ESPN, meaning he will be unable to play Sunday in Week 12 against the Patriots.
The earliest he can return is next Thursday’s game against the Ravens.
Burrow has been out since Week 2 after undergoing surgery for turf toe on his left foot.
He was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday and a limited participant Friday.
He was officially listed as questionable.
Joe Burow won’t return for the Bengals-Patriots game on Sunday. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I think Joe has done everything he can to put himself in a position to get back,” coach Zac Taylor said Friday. “We are just going to keep taking our time on this one.”
Joe Flacco is set to start his sixth straight game at quarterback for the Bengals, having arrived via trade lat month.
Joe Burrow has been out since Week 2 after undergoing surgery for turf toe. AP
The Bengals are 1-4 in the five games Flacco started, and 3-7 overall.
Taylor said that the Bengals playing two games in five days factored into the ultimate decision, and that he also wants to protect Burrow from himself.
“I view it as very important,” Taylor said. “I have to take into account what I think is best for him. He’s coming back off an injury. He’s been out for a long time. I know he’s of the right mindset and has done everything physically, and then I have to take into account what’s the best thing for him, what’s the best thing for our team and make the soundest decision.
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“The whole point is you’re putting him in there when you feel like he’s fully ready to go and can handle the full game load,” Taylor said. “Because you never know what situation is gonna come up in a game or put you in a situation where your quarterback’s got to be able to operate. So, I think that all factors into the decision.”
The Bengals will also be without star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was suspended one game after spitting on Jalen Ramsey during the Bengals’ loss to the Steelers last week.