Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow confirmed he will make his return to the field on Thanksgiving night in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium.
Burrow will start for the first time since he injured his toe on Sept. 14 when he suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury. Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback underwent surgery on Sept. 19 and was given a three-month timeline to return following the procedure.
Like he’s done in most of his football career, Burrow defied the odds and is making his return well before most predicted he would be able to − a direct reflection of his work ethic in the rehab process.
“We pushed it within the limits of what we could do, and kind of just based it on how I was feeling, how I was recovering, how it looked the next day after we pushed it, and just went from there,” Burrow said on Nov. 25.
The Bengals were careful with Burrow’s return and didn’t rush him back. He credits Bengals director of rehabilitation and performance Nick Cosgray and head trainer Matt Summers for helping him through his recovery.
Burrow said he could have played against the New England Patriots on Nov. 23, but coach Zac Taylor decided it was best to wait a few more days.
He was able to take live reps for the first time in practice ahead of the Bengals’ Week 12 game against the Patriots. Burrow said that time in practice was necessary and helped him feel ready for Cincinnati’s upcoming game against Baltimore.
Practice reps are limited for NFL teams when they play on a Thursday night. The Bengals will hold two walk-through practices before traveling to Maryland on Nov. 26.
“I felt good to get some live reps, both scout team and first team, and I think that’ll serve me well this week, having a full week where you know you’re expecting to play, and you’re going through your preparation like you’re gonna play, and then it doesn’t happen,” Burrow said. “It’s good to have that under your belt to then go into this week. And I think that’ll serve us well.”
When Burrow started his rehab and realized he was ahead of schedule, returning in time for the Bengals’ primetime game against the Ravens on Thanksgiving was a goal. He didn’t know if his toe would respond in a way it could happen, though.
Burrow kept working and is now getting a chance to live out one of his childhood dreams playing on this particular holiday. For years, Burrow has longed for the chance to play on Thanksgiving.
Six years into his professional career, the NFL granted his wish. The highly anticipated Lamar Jackson vs. Burrow matchup everyone was hoping to see is back on.
“I wanted to be out there for playing on Thanksgiving, something I’ve always wanted to do, that I pushed for in the past, and the NFL gave it to us,” Burrow said. “Then the injury happened and I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play. As we got closer, I felt like it was a real possibility. So, that’s exciting to me, and it’s a national stage to go out and prove yourself again after not playing for several weeks.”
The Bengals are 3-8 and a longshot to make the playoffs − even with Burrow’s return. Cincinnati would have to win its remaining six games, including beating the Ravens twice, and receive help to have a shot at the postseason.
Since Burrow made his surprise return to practice on Nov. 10, NFL pundits and fans have debated if the risk the Bengals are taking in allowing him to play this year makes sense given the record the team has.
Burrow said he’s never considered not playing if he’s healthy enough to do so. He emphasized that it’s his job to go out and play football and be accountable.
“I am never ever going to live my life being scared that something may happen,” Burrow said.
For the Bengals to climb out of the hole they’ve dug themselves, it must start with a win in Baltimore. A loss would end any talk of the postseason in Cincinnati.
Burrow was quick to defend the Bengals’ coaching staff and Taylor, saying the players in Cincinnati’s locker room are responsible for their record. He’s expecting each player to raise their level of performance, and if they can do that, the postseason is still achievable.
“We have good coaches. There’s not a scheme in the NFL that is so revolutionary that it’s going to completely change the way a player plays the game,” Burrow said. “At the end of the day, players have to take some accountability and go and play really good.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Joe Burrow explains why he’s eager to make his return on Thanksgiving
Reporting by Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
