Joe Burrow's Return to Practice Amid Bengals Struggles: A Cautious Outlook

Joe Burrow has returned to the Cincinnati Bengals' practice field, opening his 21-day window after a turf toe injury sustained in Week 2. While Burrow participated in 7-on-7 drills last week and is expected to practice 11-on-11 this week, his return to game action remains uncertain, with Week 13 against the Ravens or Week 14 against the Bills as possibilities. Despite the positive progress from his injury, the Bengals' current performance, marked by a 34-12 loss to the Steelers and a league-worst 33.4 points allowed per game since 1966, raises questions about the wisdom of activating him. The team has lost seven of its last eight games without Burrow, sitting at 3-7 and three games behind the Steelers in the division. Analysts suggest that bringing Burrow back to a struggling team, especially with a defense that has allowed at least 27 points and 340 yards in nine straight games, could be detrimental. The risk of re-injury in an already challenging season is a significant concern, with the team advised against rushing their star quarterback back unless they were closer to .500.