Joe Burrow Prepares for Thanksgiving Showdown Against Ravens
CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow is brimming with enthusiasm as he gears up for his first Thanksgiving game as a starting quarterback in the NFL. After a challenging recovery, the Bengals’ star signal-caller is set to return to action Thursday night, marking his first appearance since Cincinnati’s Week 2 victory over the Jaguars.
Playoff Aspirations Dwindle
The Bengals have faced a tough road since Burrow’s absence, managing to secure just one win during that stretch. As it stands, the team needs to win every remaining game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Burrow, however, remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “You start to learn more about it and start to ask questions about things you can and can’t do,” Burrow shared, reflecting on his recovery process. “You know, what do we have to avoid in certain time periods post-surgery? Kind of take it as it goes.”
Despite the daunting odds, with ESPN’s Football Power Index giving the Bengals a mere 1% chance of making the playoffs, Burrow isn’t ready to concede. The only path to postseason contention would require a 9-8 record coupled with a collapse from the Ravens. To keep any glimmer of hope alive, Burrow will need to lead Cincinnati to victory in Baltimore.
A Thanksgiving Dream
Thursday’s matchup against the Ravens isn’t just another game for Burrow; it’s a moment he has long anticipated. The rivalry is fierce, and he acknowledges the intensity that comes with facing divisional opponents. “A lot of respect for the people on the outside of the ball, but you play people twice a year, you get tired of them, you don’t like them,” Burrow explained. “It’s a division rivalry. You got respect for them, but it’s intense out there.”
He added, “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, something I’ve pushed for in the past. When the NFL gave it to us, I was excited, but then the injury happened, and I thought I might not be able to play. As we got closer to the game, I felt like it was a real possibility.”
Embracing the Spotlight
With a national audience set to tune in, Burrow views this game as an opportunity to showcase his resilience and the effort he has put into his rehab. “Every opportunity that you get to go prove all the hard work that you’ve put in and the type of player you are is something that I try to take advantage of,” he stated, highlighting the importance of this moment in his career.
The Bengals’ quarterback is eager to get back on the field at 8:20 p.m. ET. He reflected on the preparation leading up to this week: “It’ll serve me well this week, having gone through preparation like I was going to play last week, even if it didn’t happen. It’s good to have that under your belt as we go into this week, where we’re not going to get a ton of full-speed reps.”
Burrow expressed confidence in the decision-making process regarding his return. “I’ve been in that spot before, and I trust the decision-makers, the medical staff—everyone involved in the decision-making. I thought we made a good decision, and now this week, we’ll be ready to go.”
As Burrow steps back into the spotlight, he embodies the spirit of perseverance, ready to lead the Bengals in what could be a pivotal moment in their season.
