NFL Insider reveals Joe Burrow could return by Thanksgiving; Bengals’ playoff hopes to get back on track

The Cincinnati Bengals enter the second half of the 2025 NFL season at 3-6, facing a steep climb to reach the playoffs. Despite their record, the team’s hopes are far from over. Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, sidelined since Week 2 with a turf toe injury, is showing signs of a possible early return.

NFL insider Jay Glazer reports that Burrow could be back on the field by Thanksgiving, giving the Bengals a much-needed boost in their playoff chase.Burrow’s absence forced Cincinnati to rely on Joe Flacco, who has been steady but unable to fully compensate for the team’s struggles, particularly on defense. A healthy Burrow returning to action would not only stabilize the offense but also reinvigorate the entire team.

The morale boost of having their star quarterback back could make a dramatic difference in the remaining schedule, where every game matters for playoff contention.

Joe Burrow’s return likely to strengthen Bengals’ offensive play

Sidelined with a turf toe injury, Burrow recently opened his 21-day practice window, a key step toward returning from injured reserve. Glazer shared that Burrow told him he expects to be ready by Thanksgiving, potentially for Week 13. This means Burrow could be on the field for the Bengals’ matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a game that could reshape Cincinnati’s playoff outlook.

Before his injury, Burrow had recorded 189 passing yards and two touchdowns on 36 attempts, facing tough early-season matchups against teams like the Cleveland Browns and limited action versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. While his start was rocky, his skill and leadership remain vital for Cincinnati. Burrow’s return is expected to spark the offense and provide a critical lift to teammates across all positions.A return against the Ravens on Thanksgiving would give the Bengals a high-stakes opportunity to change the trajectory of their season.

Even with defensive challenges, Burrow’s presence could shift the team’s momentum, creating chances for pivotal victories. Cincinnati fans are optimistic that the quarterback’s comeback will reignite the team’s playoff push and stabilize the offense for the final stretch of the season.With Burrow potentially back in Week 13, the Bengals have a real opportunity to turn their season around. His leadership, combined with renewed team confidence, could be the spark needed to salvage a campaign that seemed in jeopardy just weeks ago.More coverage in NFL:Joe Burrow back in practice as Bengals QB takes key step toward NFL comeback after Turf Toe surgerySimone Biles cheers Jonathan Owens’ Bears win using audio from Taylor Swift’s episode on Travis Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcastBill Belichick owns up to coaching mistakes while girlfriend Jordon Hudson’s ‘Banned’ necklace grabs attention at UNCKyler Murray trade rumors: Steelers, Vikings eye Cardinals QB amid Aaron Rodgers and J.J. McCarthy uncertainty